MEDIA RELEASE

November 30 2006

Indigenous young people host day of celebration

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people from across Victoria are coming together on Saturday 2nd December to celebrate their culture at the ‘Yan Yean’ Gathering hosted by the Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council (VIYAC). The VIYAC is a voluntary network of Indigenous young people under 25 from across the state.

‘Yan yean means youthful in Woiwurong and we thought this was a perfect name for the gathering as it’s a day aimed at youth to celebrate our culture and create opportunities for the future’ said Jade Colgan, State Coordinator, VIYAC.

Featuring young Indigenous performers in music and dance and showcasing young people’s art, this celebration also offers Indigenous young people an opportunity to find out more about the services and opportunities available to them through the job, services and information market.

As Jade Colgan explained, ‘the VIYAC members saw that many Indigenous young people had difficulty in getting access to services, opportunities or support they sometimes needed. A typical barrier to Indigenous young people getting involved or getting support was a lack of information. We are hosting this day to help Indigenous young people from around the state to get better informed about these opportunities and to have some fun and celebrate our culture.’

Performers on the day include Casey Atkinson, Meriki Hood, the Young Black Koori Band, Illana Atkinson and Whitney Solomon.

‘There are such talented young people performing at ‘Yan Yean’ ranging from a nine year old boy who will perform the didgeridoo to some of our more seasoned performers such as Illana Atkinson. It’s going to be a great day,’ said Jade Colgan.

‘The VIYAC are hoping that this event will raise the profile of Indigenous young people and promote our culture amongst ourselves and the broader community’ said Jade.

The ‘Yan Yean’ Gathering is supported by the Helen MacPherson Smith Trust, the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria and the Department for Victorian Communities.

Details:
YAN YEAN Gathering
Saturday 2nd December 2006
Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, Cnr Bell St and St Georgie Rd, Preston.
10am – 3pm.

For media contact

Jade Colgan
State Co-ordinator
Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council
0407 368 636