Varsity by Night keeps youths out of trouble

(By Melinda Jennings - Bond University Journalism student)

Organisers of Varsity by Night, a Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) initiative, hope to attract 250 young skateboarders to their alcohol and drug-free event on February 26.

The event held at Varsity Lakes skate park offers young people free food, music, socialising, entertainment and of course skateboarding.

GCCC outdoor youth spaces officer Greg Hehir said the event provided young skaters with a safe and fun environment in an area where there wasn’t always a lot to do.

“There’s not a lot of activity and we’ve got a significant facility there so it made sense to utilise it,” he said.

“When we get 250 there, you have to ask what else they’d be doing on a Friday night if they were elsewhere.”

The event is run in conjunction with Chill Out Zone, a community-based organisation that is on hand to offer young people support and first aid.

Chill Out Zone project coordinator Angela Driscoll said the team who attended Varsity by Night aimed to build relationships with young people and offer advice and information about relevant issues, if they need.

“We can give them information about alcohol and drugs … or different youth related stuff, and refer them to the best service to help them,” she said.

The first event of the year will be held on February 26, for more information visit http://www.gcparks.com.au/activities.aspx?page=43