14th May, 2024.
Youth Week was celebrated in an exciting series of events in Wollondilly, culminating with the Rock the Dilly Youth Week Festival 2024. On Saturday April 20th, the Picton Botanic Gardens was buzzing as local performers and bands entertained the crowds. Local business, youth services and food stalls joined in the fun and added to the atmosphere. The event was sponsored by the NSW Government, Wollondilly Shire Council and local business River Road Creative Academy, whose director Patrick Nellestein was nominated as Citizen of the Year for the Wollondilly Australia Day Awards for his work with youth. Events such as these are vital in giving the youth of Wollondilly and their families a chance to connect in a safe and supportive environment. Local businesses such as River Road Creative Academy offer a space for creativity and individual expression, and the extension of their important work in an event such as Rock the Dilly allows even more members of the community to be reached through the power of music. The community spirit was strong at this event and the positive attitude of the younger members of our community present on the day gave me a great sense of pride.