West Arnhem welcomes 2017

Youth from Minjilang welcome the new year in as they film the music video‘Welcome to Minjilang’, as part of the Morganics School Holiday Program. The crew used a drone to capture a unique community view point for the video which has received a huge amount of support on social media, with 4800 views on Facebook already.

West Arnhem communities have kicked off 2017 with a bang with plenty of celebrations on New Years Eve and a great number of programs and activities to keep the young ones entertained over the festive season.
Minjilang welcomed in 2017 with a party at the Minjilang sport and recreation hall for the community on New Years Eve.
Meanwhile, Maningrida has had a busy festive season with West Arnhem Regional Council’s Sport and Recreation crew teaming up with GREATS Youth Service to deliver one of the biggest school holiday programs in Maningrida this month.
Kids had the chance to try out their skills at soccer, footy, softball, basketball, skipping, hoola hoops and daily swimming activities. The Youth Service also ran nightly drop ins, movie night, disco, bush trips and craft activities.
Hundreds of kids have taken part in the activities which have continued rain, hail or shine.
Coordinator of Sport & Recreation, Seide Ramadani said, “The kids are loving the programs and each day ask us, “what’s on tomorrow?” We have a great partnership with the team at GREATS Youth Service and together we are providing evening programs that span from 4pm to 9pm”.
“Big thanks to the Noeletta, Kev, Sabo, Ty, Sebi and Jordan and all the volunteers at GREATS Youth Service and Stephanie from Sport and Rec”.
The holiday program will continue until the end of January when school resumes.
Meanwhile, Minjilang and Gunbalanya children have had plenty of fun over the holidays with music workshops held in the communities over the last few weeks.
West Arnhem Regional Council Youth Development Coordinator Jessica Green said the Morganics’ hip hop workshops held in Minjilang and the Live Vibe Music program in Gunbalanya was very popular among the youth.
The school holiday activities at the Jabiru Public Library are also continuing this month.
Starting a few weeks ago, the activities have been very popular with children and their parents and have included Christmas-orientated arts and crafts, movies, board games, sand art and making dream catchers.
West Arnhem Youth Services also ran an exciting school holiday program in Warruwi which included a great range of activities and sport.
The activities, which were aimed for young people aged eight to 18, are a great way for community members to have a fun and safe time over the holidays.