09/04/2026

As part of NSW Youth Week this April, I’m happy to share the return of Georges River Youth Festival (GRYFest).
 
Our youth continues to play an important role in our social fabric. With a makeup of 16.1% of individuals aged 12 to 24 years old (2021), it’s important that we continue to invite opportunities for our youth to purse personal and community goals.
 
This year’s theme “Dream, Dare, Do” encourages young people to dream big, pursue creative endeavours and take action to make dreams into reality. Developed in partnership with our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), the festival program is designed to inspire young people while supporting their personal growth and wellbeing.
 
Working closely with YAC is not only part of Council’s commitment to upholding the Australian Human Rights Commission endorsed Child Safe Principles, but also a promise to our young people that their voices are heard and valued in our community.
 
GRYFest will kick-off today on Friday 10 April with our new addition to the program: The Outdoor Cinema at Hurstville Plaza, which will be packed with free activities and stalls throughout the evening, perfect for all families and young people.
 
With the support of representatives from UNSW UNOVA, we’ll also deliver two workshops on personal financing, budgeting and AI fluency to empower young people with practical, everyday skills. The festival will wrap up with some exciting performances at Battle of the Beats on Friday 24 April.
 
I would like to thank 3Bridges Community and SOUNDCULT for their support in bringing GRYFest to life this year. 
 
I hope our youth feel encouraged to take part, try something new, and feel confident in shaping their future and their community.
 
To find out more about our YAC, visit Council’s Young People webpage.
 
To see GRYFest’s full program, visit Council’s event webpage.