YOUTH Week activities across the City of Greater Dandenong will culminate with a massive family day at Hemmings Park on Saturday for the launch of the new BMX track, skatepark and children’s playground.
Mayor John Kelly said providing family-friendly areas across the city was a focal point of the council.
“I have been a strong advocate for more than a decade in improving Hemmings Park, it is tremendous to see its transformation in recent years,” Cr Kelly said.
“It has gone from a run-down park with facilities fit for landfill to a modern and family-friendly park that is choc-a-block full every weekend.
“Its transformation will provide families with a range of options for children of all ages. The planning and construction work on the site has been terrific and these projects cannot be successful unless they have key players and community support.”
Cr Kelly praised the young people of Dandenong who were so persistent in seeing the park upgraded.
“I have strong family ties to the upgrading of the skatepark and to see the young people’s tenacity in seeing this project come to fruition is what community spirit is all about.”
He said it was important that as part of Youth Week celebrations a significant local project was launched.
“There have been lots of people involved in ensuring the success of Youth Week, but none more so than the young people of council’s 2008 National Youth Week organising committee,” Cr Kelly said.
Council youth services and Visy Cares Centre manager Jeremy Stone said Youth Week was a chance to recognise the outstanding work of young people.
Cr Kelly and Mr Stone encouraged families to support the launch of the new-look Hemmings Park.
A huge day of activities has been planned, including an outdoor concert, Street Science Institute art exhibition, music and dance and a range of family fun.
There will be BMX and skating demonstrations, face painting, animal farm, a balloon artist and Bollywood dancing. World renowned Australian musician and singer Nicky Bomba will perform and Fetah Sabawi and Revolucion Street will unite many cultures into one musical project.
A range of international food will be available. on the day.
Hemmings Park is on the Princes Highway at Dandenong.
“National Youth Week is an important event for the city and provides us with an opportunity to formally recognise and promote the positive impact young people in Greater Dandenong make to the community. We will do this through a youth awards ceremony on the day,” Mr Stone said.
