Photo: Get Regional

A celebration of our youth, Victorian Youth Week is aimed at uniting young people in their common interests, with more than 100 events and activities scheduled to run throughout the week.

It is the first time the event has been held – filling a gap left by the Turnbull Government after it scrapped funding for National Youth Week and forced the states and territories to go it alone in celebrating young people.

The Andrews Labor Government has provided more than $200,000 to local community organisations, schools and councils for various events, which include art exhibitions, sporting events and musical performances.

Activities are mainly targeted at people aged 12 to 25, and aim to create a strong community feel and provide exposure for young people to exhibit their skills and ideas to their community.

Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos will kick off the festivities today with a special launch event at Parliament House, to be attended by almost 200 young people and singer/musician Kaitt.

Ms Mikakos encouraged all people to get involved and attend events in their local areas.

The week’s flagship event – the Youth Summit – will give attendees an opportunity to discuss the issues that are important to them. It will be held at Melbourne Park Function Centre on Friday, 20 April, 2018.

Victorian Youth Week is a key part of the Labor Government’s Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria, which is committed to increasing engagement with young people and embed the voice of young people in building an even better Victoria.

For more information about Victorian Youth Week, including an interactive map and schedule of events, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/vyw or join in the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #VicYouthWeek.