GRYFest and Youth Week

In April, Georges River Council held the annual Youth Week event, GRYFest, which provided opportunities for young people to express their ideas and views, and engage with their local community through youth-led activities and events.

GRYFest was buzzing all day with a jam-packed schedule of activities. From bubble soccer to a video game trailer and later; Battle of the Beats – a dedicated youth music competition – the festival was a huge success.

The event was shared on Council’s social media channels by Council’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). This allowed YAC members to engage directly with the community and capture the day from their perspective.

As part of Youth Week celebrations, Council also hosted an Intergenerational Chess Tournament. This event brought together community members of all ages and was an absolute hit. This year’s event was hosted at Blakehurst High School as part of the Department of Education’s ‘Shared Spaces’ initiative.

Youth Week events are important for our young community members to be given a platform to express themselves, showcase their talents, acquire skills, form connections, and expand their networks.

Congratulations to KOKONUTZ, 2023 Battle of the Beats Winner!

Five talented young artists and performers were shortlisted for this year’s Battle of the Beats music competition at GRYFest. They were selected by a panel of young people and youth services within the local government area (LGA).

Jacinta Drumond, Shrooms ‘N’ Shrubs, KOKONUTZ, Pocketwatch and DOLOR all took to the stage to deliver a live music spectacular complete with original music and covers. However, there could only be one winner and it was KOKONUTZ who took home first prize.

Pocketwatch finished as runner-up and DOLOR in third place, the acts were judged by local young people with a passion for music.

The winners received gift vouchers to Bexley Guitars to support their music careers:

$2,500 prize value for first place

$1,500 prize value for second place $500 prize value for third place

Congratulations to the winners and well done to all Battle of the Beats performers this year!