Published on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 at 3:00:00 PM
The Shire of Dardanup has secured $19,500 in State Government funding from the Department of Communities to deliver Youth Week 2026 celebrations and expanded youth programs this April.
Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said the initiatives will provide free, inclusive and youth-led opportunities for young people aged 12 to 24, celebrating their creativity, energy and contribution to the community.
The funding supports two key initiatives:
YouthFest 2026 – Saturday, 11 April, 10am-2pm:
The Shire’s flagship Youth Week event will return across Glen Huon Oval, Eaton Skate Park, Eaton Community Library and the Mick Bennett Make It Space.
Activities include:
- Freestyle Now skate park competition.
- Youth market stalls by South West Pop-Up Shops and Events.
- Youth service information stalls.
- The iNSTRUCTA TRUCK virtual-reality road‑safety experience (new for 2026).
- Creative, interactive and live activities throughout the day.
Cr Gardiner said YouthFest continues to grow. Now in its fifth year, the event is driven by the Shire’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) and is a celebration of the contribution young people make to our community.
The Full Send – 7 to 11 April:
An additional $10,000 grant will deliver The Full Send, a free four‑day skate series leading into YouthFest, held at the Mick Bennett Make It Space and Eaton Skate Park.
The program includes:
- Build‑your‑own skateboard workshops.
- Coached skate, scooter and BMX sessions.
- Live freestyle competition at YouthFest.
- Drumming workshop with Scott Pearce Music.
- Inclusive sports with WA isports (SNAG Golf, boccia).
- Food and refreshments for registered participants.
Cr Gardiner said the program creates supportive, skills‑building opportunities for young people, particularly those who may face barriers to participation.
“YouthFest and The Full Send promote creativity, confidence and connection, ensuring young people feel valued and supported in our community,” he said.
A variety of creative, interactive and live activities will run across multiple locations throughout the week.
“For the first time, the Shire will also partner with Transafe WA to deliver the iNSTRUCTA TRUCK, offering an immersive virtual-reality road safety awareness experience,” Cr Gardiner said.
The secured funding recognises the importance of celebrating young people and creating opportunities that reflect their interests and needs.
"We're grateful to the Department of Communities for supporting Youth Week initiatives that place young people at the centre and empower them to shape events that matter to them,” Cr Gardiner said.
The Department of Communities echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader impact of the funding program.
"The Department of Communities is proud to support the Shire of Dardanup through our 2025-2026 Sponsorship Program," Manager Strategic Policy for Youth Priscilla Bignoux said.
"We're committed to supporting initiatives that improve the lives of Western Australians and align with our strategic outcomes – strong families, care for children, inclusive communities, a place to call home and resilient people and communities.
"In 2025-2026, we've supported twenty-four organisations to deliver fantastic initiatives for Western Australians, from the Kimberley to the South West."
Free bus transportation to and from the Coaching Session, Activation Day and YouthFest will be available for registered participants, helping connect youth from smaller regional communities like Dardanup and Burekup.
For more information on the Shire’s Youth Week events, visit our website or social media channels for updates.
Caption: Action from last year’s YouthFest. Youth Week events will be held from 7-11 April at Glen Huon Oval, Eaton Skate Park, Eaton Community Library and the Mick Bennett Make-It-Space.
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