Margaret River Youth Advisory Council hosts ‘loud and proud’ event

Margaret River’s Youth Advisory Council will host a “loud and proud” festival with three events across this weekend. YAC has partnered with LGBTQIA+ group Margi Pride to deliver the celebration of local diversity with the theme “Courage to Change”. Shire of Augusta-Margaret River community development trainee James Ransley said the festival was designed to offer younger residents a few fun activities in what has been a “challenging time”. “These events celebrate pride, music and creativity and are an awesome way to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride and young local talent,” he said. The first event would be held on Friday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, with a celebration of music on Saturday from 2pm and a creativity workshop on Monday from 9am. Friday’s event to start the school holidays was described as “a celebration of pride”. “People of all ages are welcome and encouraged to bring their skates, dress up in bright colours and have some fun,” Mr Ransley said. “This is the first time that a Shire-run event has featured drag queens and it’s going to be a great celebration of the theme and a chance for young people to connect.” Saturday’s event is a two-hour live music showcase of local youth bands and Monday will see youngsters work with artist Stu McMillan on a sea-container mural at the youth precinct. Margi Pride co-founders Ashlee Heard and Ryan Pollock said they were excited about working with the Shire on the fun-filled youth event. “We are looking forward to celebrating diversity with some fabulous queens and to getting some feedback on what the youth in our region want from us,” the pair said in a statement. “We will be there at the kick-off event on Friday, so make sure you’re there to see it for yourself”. For more information, call 9780 5255 or email communitydevelopment@amrshire.wa.gov.au.