The Act Belong Commit YOH (Youth on Health) Fest returns to Mandurah next week, running from September 5-8 and offering students and youth form all corners of the community important health messages from their peers through dance, drama and other visual arts.
Held at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, the Act Belong Commit Youth on Health Festival has experienced outstanding support over its 19-year run, showcasing just how much talent Mandurah’s students have to offer.
The shows always offer community members the chance to learn about the real and raw issues many young people face every day.
YOH Fest, organised by the Mandurah community, tours around Western Australia and the Northern Territory prior to the event, finding the best productions written by students which share a message.
Heats recently wrapped up at a number of Perth schools, as well as the Great Southern heat which saw competition from Bunbury and Albany students.
The Makers CEO and West Australian Youth Award 2015 winner Rhys Williams said with other YOH Fest heats happening around the state, it was good to bring the festival home.
“Along with being an annual showcase of some of Australia’s greatest youth talent, Act Belong Commit YOH Fest is a platform where young people can express their views on the health issues that are relevant to them, and we are very proud to be able to provide this opportunity for the young people of Western Australia and Northern Territory,” he said.
We love the Mandurah heats, we spend a lot of time travelling around to heats in other regions, the heats in Mandurah feel like coming home.
“We are so grateful for all the ongoing support we get from local schools and the community as a whole. We know schools that come to the Mandurah heats are going to step it up each year.”
YOH Fest is built on the idea of giving local youth the opportunity to express their views on topics relating to health and wellbeing through the artistic style of their choice.
It’s also a powerful conduit of communication between Mandurah youth.
“YOH Fest offers participants a chance to push their boundaries and expand their comfort zones, whilst sharing knowledge and information about relevant health topics.” Mr Williams said.
“With all of the issues young people in the region face, I think it’s quite fitting that this year’s health theme is ‘Resilience’. I can’t wait to see what the participants bring to the table.”
For more informaiton on YOH Fest, got to the website: yohfest.com.au