Big ideas, young voices: Youth Week is here

Skating, music, workshops, creativity and big ideas ... Youth Week is back this April! 

Running from Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 April, Youth Week 2026 will feature Aura Youth Fest, a free event designed for young people aged 12–25, with plenty of chances to try something new, hang out with friends and celebrate youth culture.
Held at Baringa Skate Plaza in Edwards Terrace from 2pm to 8pm on 17 April, Aura Youth Fest will combine music, skating, creativity and good vibes.

Youth Week is also the moment to shine a light on what matters most to our young people.
Recent community conversations show young people value strong connections with family, friends and our natural environment. 

During the week, Sunshine Coast Council will be sharing the recently endorsed Sunshine Coast Youth Plan 2026–31, which highlights youth priorities. It has a five‑year plan shaped by local young people and their ideas for the future, with actions now underway to bring these initiatives to life.
These include planning for safe and inclusive spaces for young people, support for youth-led programs and leadership, strengthening pathways to jobs and life skills, promoting health, transport and sustainability initiatives, and ensuring young people actively help shape priorities and decisions.

Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the plan reflected real conversations with young people across the Sunshine Coast and ensured their voices were heard.
“The plan turns youth priorities into practical work by planning for safe and welcoming places to connect, continuing free and low‑cost things to do, strengthening wellbeing support pathways and advocating for better ways to get around,” Cr Bunnag said.
“Young people told us they want more places to go, more to do, better support and a real say, and this plan helps support these outcomes.”

As a 2025 Young Leaders Academy participant who contributed to the Youth Plan project, Samantha said being heard helped young people feel confident and connected.
“The Youth Plan shows that young people are being listened to and taken seriously,” Samantha said.
“When our voices are valued, it helps us believe we can make a difference and play a real role in shaping our community.”

Aura Youth Fest 2026  
When: Friday 17 April, 2pm - 8pm 
Location: Baringa Skate Plaza and surrounds, Edwards Terrace 
Details: Free and open to all ages.
For more information visit eventbrite.com.au/e/youth-fest-2026-tickets-1984256047252 

Expect live music, workshops, food, youth services, Battle of the Bands, Chiggy’s Skate Competition and more. The event is free, all‑ages and open to everyone. More details will drop soon.

To learn more about Council’s Youth Plan, visit Council’s website.