Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

National Youth Week 2004 starts tomorrow

National Youth Week – the largest celebration of young people on the Australian youth calendar starts tomorrow, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony said today.

“Young Australians have been busy planning more than 1,000 events across the country ranging from live music concerts, art exhibitions, workshops, theatre, festivals, sporting activities and competitions.

“The theme for National Youth Week 2004, ‘Run with It ‘, represents a call to action for all young people to get involved and make the most of their week.

youthweek website (www.youthweek.com) is the focal point for National Youth Week events and activities and features:

  • a comprehensive list of National Youth Week events and activities;
  • full details of the five national talent competitions;
  • online chats with celebrity supporters in the greenroom; and
  • fun opportunities to ‘Win Free Stuff’, and much more.

“I am really looking forward to taking part in the Australian Government’s many events during the week.

“The week will be officially launched tomorrow at Australia’s most easterly point and the first part of Australia to receive the morning sun – Byron Bay. I will be joined for a BBQ by Home and Away star, Sam Atwell, and there will be demonstrations by the Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

“I will be hosting a reception at Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate the achievements of young Australians, including the Young Australian of the Year, Hugh Evans, on Monday night, 29 March.

“On Tuesday night I will be live on the internet to ‘chat’ with young people through the “Talk it Up!” section of the Australian Government’s youth website The Source (www.thesource.gov.au)

“Participants of the 2004 National Youth Roundtable will also meet for the first time in Canberra on Thursday 1 April.

“National Youth Week is the time to celebrate the contribution young people make to their community and I encourage young people, their families and local communities to get involved,” Mr Anthony said.

NYW runs from 27 March – 4 April. For all information go to youthweek website (www.youthweek.com) or email Youth Week (youthweek@facs.gov.au).