By Gabriella Vukman
As part of Victoria’s Youth Fest and Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week (BIEDAW), this year’s Valley Youth Fest will be held on 13 September.
Situated at ECOSS on Old Warburton Road, the Festival is scheduled to commence at 1pm and finish at 9pm.
Youth performers including Jayda Jean, BOTH, Claire Garvey, The Misfit project performers and Upper Yarra Secondary College senior band are among the acts performing at the festival.
As part of the Victorian Youth Fest month-long celebration, the Valley Youth Fest is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of young people across the Valley.
Stalls, bike jumps and other activities will feature at September’s festival.
A collaboration between ECOSS and Body of Wellbeing, the Valley Youth Fest is open to people of all ages.
Community Engagement, Festival, Events and Market Coordinator Leanne Hall said, “We are also delighted to collaborate with Body of Wellbeing Limited to promote the importance of nurturing both our bodies and minds.”
“This partnership, supported by additional funding from Vic Health and in conjunction with the Yarra Ranges Council, allows us to emphasize self-care and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual,” Leanne said.
“The Valley Youth Fest promises to be a vibrant and inclusive event, providing a meaningful platform for young people to shine and connect with their community.”
Body of Wellbeing director and Warburton resident Cat McKay said, “Our decision to bring this event to our local area reflects our commitment to showcasing the incredible talent and potential of the youth in our community.”
This year’s Valley Youth Fest is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, the Yarra Ranges Council and Vic Health.
“Securing funding for this initiative was a significant achievement for ECOSS, and we are excited about the opportunities it brings to our region. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), on behalf of the Victorian Government, for their crucial support in making this event possible,” Cat said.
“Unfortunately body image distress and associated health risks including eating disorders are alarmingly high in our area, particularly since Covid-19.”
“Body of Wellbeing Limited are collaborating with local organisations and peak bodies around these serious issues to help youth get the information and support they need, while also celebrating uniqueness and diversity.
“We have organised speakers from Eating Disorders Victoria, education officers with lived experience, and body image researcher and expert, Dr Sarah Bonell to share stories and strategies in positive, interactive and creative ways.”
Also with the aim of spreading body positivity, health and increasing body image awareness, this year’s Valley Youth Fest will host an array of guest speakers and information designed to educate young people and their families about healthy choices.
Cat said, “Many of our local community health and youth services will be at the event running activities which will not only be fun and engaging but will promote positive body image and healthy behaviours. Running alongside the event will be The ECOSS Valley Market with a number of stalls selling local produce, food such as Mexican and Indian, Arts, craft, Upcycles will be open and more.”
“Jigsaw Jumps will provide an interactive display – young people are encouraged to ride to ECOSS or bring their bikes. There will also be a special Youth focus at the Yarra Valley Spoken Word evening happening in the Dome at ECOSS between 6.30-8.30pm,” Cat said.
ECOSS is accessible via the Warburton, 683 bus line. Disembark near the Wesburn Reserve and walk a few hundred metres up to 711 Old Warburton Rd to Yarra Valley ECOSS.
