Central Coast Council is celebrating National Youth Week 2019, hosting a wide range of events where the next generation of leaders are being inspired to get involved and be heard.

With a theme of ‘Connect, share, speak out and celebrate’, Youth Week is organised by young people, for young people aged 12-24 years in a number of communities across the state and country from 10-18 April.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan is urging young people across the Central Coast to connect with each other by sharing their ideas, talents and getting involved in local events.

“Youth Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the contribution young people make to our community,” Ms Vaughan said.

“This year’s Youth Week is perfectly timed with the school holidays to keep everyone entertained during the break.”

Even before the official Youth Week, local celebrations will kick off with a free family celebration at Canton Beach Foreshore on Sunday 7 April.

Throughout the Week itself, there is something for everyone - with skate skills workshops and competitions, festivals and carnivals, art talks and exhibitions, a gaming tournament and film screenings, along with workshops about everything from animating and playwriting to DJing.

Young people can also prepare for the future by attending information sessions about joining the workforce, accessing study allowances and finding secure housing.

Mayor Jane Smith said young people aged between 12 and 24 represent 15.3 per cent of the Coast population or more than 50,000 people.

“Youth Week is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the many and varied contributions of young people to our society – culturally, socially and economically,” Mayor Smith said.

“Young people are our future and we are committed to supporting them to not only access activities that are fun but also help build skills they can use in the future.

“Right acros the Coast there will be a range of activities and celebrations taking place and I would strongly encourage everyone to find out what’s happening and get involved.

For a full copy of the Youth Week calendar, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/news.