Youth Groups & Committees

Looking for an opportunity to get involved with the City of Ballarat Youth Services? Take your pick...

Splinta Youth Council

With representatives from across Ballarat with ages ranging from 12-25 years, this committee is the voice of young people in Ballarat. If you're young and want your opinions heard contact Splinta Youth Council by email or in writing to: Splinta Youth Council, YHQ, 122 Armstrong St Sth, Ballarat Vic 3350.

Youth Council work with Ballarat City Council to make it happen. We offer training combined with fun to get your voices heard. The Youth Council meet every mont to discuss issues, plan projects and events. They also go on a four day camp which in 2005 was to the snow.

This year's 2005 Splinta Youth Council managed to organise a number of events and partake in a wide range of activities to assist the community, whilst raising awareness of Ballarat's youth at the same time.

Some key achievements of the 2005 Splinta Youth Council include:

• Raising money for the Tsunami Appeal
• Raising money for Children of the Phoenix organisation which is an aid for past and present sufferers of abuse
• Organising the Youth Recognition Program and award ceremony
• Acting as the driving force behind Council's Blood Bank drive
• Arranging the Youth Forum
• All scoring entry to the Billabong Bus on the Channel [V] Detour - proving that being a member of the Youth Council is not all work no play

Stuffest

Stuffest is a festival for youth organised by a committee of young people aged 12 - 25 yrs. In 2005 the festival consisted of 39 events over 15 days, conducted in the September school holidays. Events included music gigs, bmx & skate comps, guitar and drum workshops, LAN parties, mechanical bull, Funk dance classes, breakdance workshop, badge making and much more. Stuffest was awarded Community Event of the year in 2005.

The festival events are chosen each year by the committee who go on to organise all aspects of the festival such as marketing, sponsorship, venue hire, risk management, evaluation, catering, road closures and day operation of events.

Stuffest is Ballarat's outlet to showcase youth talent and give young people an opportunity for broad community exposure. If you are interested in getting involved in the biggest event for youth in Ballarat contact Youth Services on 03 5320 5644 or visit website www.splinta.org.

Zaque

A project designed to assist same sex attracted young people through a social group,information and education campaign. The project also aims to reduce the incidence of bullying, harassment and abuse suffered by same sex attracted young people in the city.

In 2005 the City of Ballarat launched an information pack called Queer-y Pack for young people. The pack contains information, resources and tip sheets on sexual diversity and same sex attracted issues. Specifically, it aims to educate and provide people with a better understanding of the issues associated with same sex attraction.

The pack will be provided to local secondary school welfare officers and youth workers so that they can have accurate and relevant information when working with young people.

For more information on Zaque contact Lee Fox on 5320 5140, Mondays 10:00am - 6:00pm, Tuesdays 9:00am - 5:00pm and Wednesdays 9:00am - 1:00pm

Funship

A committee of young people that organise and run at least 5 youth events (usually music) per year. They receive State Government funding to run these drug and alcohol free events for the youth of Ballarat. The group meet every week to organise stageing, lighting, bands, security, venues and catering to run the best events for youth in Ballarat.

Some headlining acts they have had at gigs recently are Area 7, GVS & Frank, Bomba, Epicure, TZU, Kanvas Grey, Sounds like Chicken, Mach Pelican, Androids, 28 Days. Funship thrive to give local bands exposure so they get an opportunity to play alongside professionals.

Audio Splinta

Young people let loose on a radio program at VoiceFM dedicated to youth by youth. Learn how to program, schedule, market and run the radio desk whilst having fun and talking to people who call in. Audio Splinta is on Wednesdays 5.00pm - 7.00pm. We are always looking for new members or opportunities for special guests, presenters or vox pops.

 

 

Random Smash - Youth Magazine

Put together by a group of volunteers, this youth magazine is released every 2 months and includes:

• upcoming events
• recipes
• interesting websites
• stories, poems and more
• cool facts

If any young people would like to put a story, poem or anything in the magazine, just contact us at our Youth Head Quarters. Or let us know if you would like to go on the mailing list to receive it for FREE by visiting www.splinta.org for YHQ membership and mailing list form.