The Shire of Murray is committed to delivering programs, activities and events that actively engage young people. We aim to provide an environment where the voices, talents, and aspirations of young people are valued, supported, and celebrated.
Shire of Murray Youth Team
The Shire of Murray Youth Team consists of a group of Youth Activity Officers led by the Community Development team. Their primary focus is on delivering outreach activities like the Pop-Up Youth Zone, Fridays on the Field and other activities aimed at engaging young people in positive ways within the community.
This team is dedicated to creating spaces where youth can socialize and participate in various activities including sports tournaments, art workshops, life skills workshops and more, their goal is to offer opportunities for recreation and connection. They prioritize building relationships with young individuals and strive to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Stay updated on their upcoming activities by following them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/murrayyouthforyouth.
Murray Youth for Youth Forums
The Murray Youth for Youth Forums are held twice per calendar year and bring together students from local primary schools and high schools, serving as vibrant hubs of creativity and collaboration. During these workshops, young minds converge to brainstorm and ideate innovative concepts, ranging from engaging activities for school holidays to exciting events tailored specifically for youth.
Guided by Shire of Murray staff, participants work through the process of refining their ideas, developing actionable plans, and bringing their visions to life. Through hands-on involvement in the planning stages, youth are empowered to take ownership of their initiatives and contribute meaningfully to the community.
At the conclusion of the Forum participants showcase their project to a panel of judges. Following the judges' deliberation, the winning ideas are actioned and delivered by the Shire of Murray's Community Development team, involving youth in the process along the way. Past successes include the Carcoola Cooldown water fun day, the Murray Youth Festival celebrating WA Youth Week, and the virtual reality and mini-golf day at the Edenvale Heritage Precinct.
The next Murray Youth for Youth Forum is scheduled for October 2024. If you are a young person interested in attending the Murray Youth for Youth forums, please make your school aware of your interest.
Sketchbook Young Artists' Drop-In Program
The Sketchbook Young Artists' Drop-In Program is a creative space tailored for young individuals aged 10 to 17. Held every Monday at community halls throughout the Shire, this program offers a rotating venue each month, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all participants. Led by our dedicated Youth Activity Team, the Sketchbook program provides a tranquil and supportive atmosphere where artists can unleash their creativity in a relaxed setting.
Art supplies are readily available, allowing attendees to experiment and express themselves freely. A variety of after-school snacks are provided to ensure everyone has the fuel they need to dive into their artistic endeavors.
Dungeons and Dragons Late Night
Adventure awaits on Tuesday nights at the Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre during school term. Young people aged 12 and up are invited to join for epic quests and thrilling encounters.
This program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the fantastical world of D&D. Whether a seasoned player or new to the realm, all are welcome to embark on daring adventures, solve mysteries, and battle formidable foes. Participants gather their party and unleash your imagination as you explore dungeons, encounter magical creatures, and forge alliances. Develop strategic thinking, teamwork, and storytelling skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Pop-up Youth Zones
Held in various parks and community halls across the Murray region, this exciting gathering is ideal for young people aged 10 - 17. The Shire of Murray Youth Activity Trailer visits local parks and community halls equipped with after-school snacks, sports equipment, games, chill-out zones and more. Supervised by our dedicated staff from the Youth Activity Team, the Pop-Up Youth Zone offers a safe and inclusive environment for youth to unwind and socialize.
Fridays on the Field
Every Friday afternoon in South Yunderup during summer our team brings fun to the field for youth aged 10 to 17. At the South Yunderup Sporting Precinct, our team hosts an afternoon packed with sporting activities, competitions, and games, perfect for blowing off steam after a week of school. Join the team for a range of sports activities including soccer, football, basketball and ultimate frisbee, tailored to all skill levels. With snacks and water on hand to keep young people energised throughout the excitement the Shire of Murray Youth Activity Trailer is also present to adding an extra layer of fun.
Skate Park Sundays
Happening every Sunday during the warmer months, this event brings young people together at local skate parks for a free sausage sizzle. The Youth Activity Team rolls into Pinjarra Skate Park, Dwellingup Skate Park, and Kingfisher Park (North Yunderup) with the Shire of Murray Youth Activity Trailer. Skate Park Sundays are ideal for ages 10 to 17 and provide the perfect opportunity to have a blast with friends.
Life Skills and Personal Development Workshops
The Shire of Murray is committed to empowering young people by offering valuable life skills and personal development workshops on a regular basis. These workshops, which are suggested by local youth themselves, aim to equip participants with practical knowledge and essential skills to navigate various aspects of life successfully.
Throughout the year, the Shire organizes a diverse range of workshops, ensuring that there's something for everyone. From budgeting and financial management to cooking and nutrition, job interview skills, and car maintenance, our workshops cover a wide spectrum of topics relevant to the needs and interests of young individuals in our community.
Participants learn from experienced professionals and industry experts who provide practical advice, hands-on demonstrations, and valuable insights. These workshops are designed to be interactive and engaging, fostering a supportive environment where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another.
By offering these workshops at least once per month, the Shire of Murray aims to empower young people to make informed decisions, build confidence, and develop essential life skills that will serve them well into adulthood. We believe that investing in the personal development of our youth is key to building a resilient and thriving community for generations to come.
WA Youth Week Activities and Events
WA Youth Week is an annual celebration that aims to acknowledge and highlight the contributions, achievements, and diverse experiences of young people in the community. Organized by the Department of Communities - Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA), in partnership with various organizations, WA Youth Week typically takes place in April and plays a crucial role in promoting positive youth development, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among young individuals, and building stronger connections between youth and their communities.
Every year, the Shire of Murray holds a series of events to celebrate Youth Week. In 2024, the Shire of Murray held the Murray Youth Festival at Adventurescape Playground. This Youth Festival included sports activities such as inflatable soccer court and basketball court, mini-golf, croquet and more. Planned by participants of the Murray Youth for Youth Forum, this event concluded with a community movie night.
Youth Activity Trailer
The Youth Activity Trailer is our team's practical mobile unit designed to engage young people across the Shire of Murray. Recently revamped with a fresh paint job by participants of the Murray Youth Festival and artist George Domahidy, this trailer visits parks, events and skate parks regularly, offering various amenities and equipment for youth.
Inside, you'll find essentials like sports equipment, portable WiFi and phone charging station, along with bean bags, sports equipment and more. To catch the trailer in action, visit our events page.
EmpowerME Young Women's Program
In 2024 the Shire received funding from the Youth Affairs Council of WA's Youth Sector Grant Scheme, supported by Lotterywest, to create the EmpowerME' Young Women's Program. Partnering with a wide range of local services including headspace Mandurah, CHOYCES and OVIS, EmpowerME is dedicated to fostering self-esteem, resilience, and empowerment among young women.
While a significant portion of the program is being delivered directly to students at Pinjarra Senior High School, the program also involves of a range of community events and workshops for young women including wellness classes, drumming, cooking and nutrition workshops.