NSW: National youth week launched

AAP General News (Australia)
04-02-2000
NSW: National youth week launched

SYDNEY April 2, AAP - More New South Wales local councils than ever before are taking
part in National Youth Week 2000, NSW Youth Minster Carmel Tebbutt said today.

Ms Tebbutt launched the week at a new skateboard ramp in Gunnedah in northern NSW.

"This year's theme - Count Me In - highlights the positive contribution young people
make to their communities," she said.

The week, which started in NSW in 1989, has been declared a national event for the
firt time this year.

Ms Tebbutt said a record 132 of the total 177 local councils around NSW had been selected
to take part in youth week events this year.

"It is especially pleasing that this year 16 local councils are participating for the
first time," she said.

NSW events range from debates in Cobar, Tumut and Glen Innes, to the world's biggest
barbecue in Wellington, totem pole making in Byron Bay and the launch of the Kempsey Shire
Website for young people.

Statewide events include Youthrock 2000, a competition for school-based rock bands
being held at the Seymour Centre in Sydney and Freeze Frame, a photographic competion.

Two disposable cameras had been provided to each participating council, to be given
to young people to document the week's events.

The first prize is $1000, with three runner-up prizes of $300, with the money going
to a local youth program nominated by the entrants.

National Youth Week, which runs until 8 April, covers the ages of 12-14 years.

AAP/mjh/was

KEYWORD: YOUTH

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