from YAPRap September 2007
by Lam Huynh
Young skaters in Nambucca have lived for years with disapproving community members and an undeserved reputation for vandalism, drugs and abusive behaviour.
For over 18 years, young skaters have pleaded with their local council to build a skate park in Nambucca Heads. To date, a skate park still does not exist in Nambucca Heads.
Instead of becoming disillusioned, young skaters in Nambucca decided to get organised and take action. Headed by Shayne Teece, a Nambucca Youth Services volunteer and young person himself, a team of highly motivated young people decided to show the community that skating is a positive way of life rather than an antisocial activity.
As one of the successful recipients of the Youth Participation Grants, these young skaters of Nambucca were able to put on a skateboard festival which was held in Youth Week earlier this year.
The skate festival which incorporated a skateboarding competition with dance and music, attracted 120 competitors and over 200 spectators from all walks of life, young and old. The festival also featured great music supplied by DJs who donated their time and expertise, as well as demonstrations from professional skateboarders. Plenty of vouchers, cash prizes proved popular with the crowd who embraced the festival not only as a youth event but also as a family day out.
What made the event so positive on all levels was that it was set up and run by young people themselves. Working collaboratively with council, local businesses and older community members, the young skaters of Nambucca were able to show that their skills and talents extend beyond skateboarding alone.
more information
YAPA's Youth Participation Grants Project
