The emphasis is on fun and creativity in the September-October school holidays across the New England with a range of activities popping up.
Gunnedah
Gunnedah Shire Council has partnered with Gunnedah Conservatorium and the NSW Government to present Spring into Performance, a free four-day workshop from Tuesday, 8 October to Friday, 11 October for 12 to 24-year-olds that will take the young performer from strategies for stage fright through to exploring new opportunities.
Bookings are essential and will be open from Monday, 23 September through www.gunnedahconservatorium.com.au .
The Gunnedah Shire Library also has a great program of events, from Book Buddies for 0-7 years, to Crafty Creations, both at Gunnedah and Curlewis for 7-12-year-olds.
There’s also plenty to do at The Cultural Precinct, with holiday movies including The Wild Robot, Harold and the Purple Crayon and Transformers One. There is a self-guided sensory tour available at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, the Civic Theatre and the Visitor Information Centre, and kids can pick up a Koala Kwest sheet from the Civic to accept the challenge to find the cheeky koalas hidden in Conadilly St business windows.
Summer pool hours start from October 5, and the pool will be open from 5.30am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.
The School Holiday Program also lists details of great activities hosted by the PCYC, Gunida Gunyah and Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co, including the Keepit Commando challenge on Saturday, 12 October and a Developing Resilience session on Friday, 11 October. There are also details for a Catapult Challenge at Wolseley Park on Tuesday, 1 October.
Some activities require bookings, so please check out the full program and details at www.thecivic.com.au/youth
Glen Innes
The highly anticipated Regional Youth Spring Holiday Break Program returns this October, featuring an exciting lineup of activities designed to engage young people aged 12 to 24. Running from 1 to 13 October, the Holiday Break Program offers young people in regional NSW opportunities to connect, socialise, learn new skills, and have fun through a variety of free activities, including sport and recreation camps, creative workshops, and more.
This spring, participants can unleash their creativity with a Henna Tattoos Workshop, explore their artistic side in a Drawing Workshop, and refine their smartphone skills in the Phone Photography and Editing Workshop. These sessions, held at the Glen Innes Severn Public & TAFE Library, are perfect for young people eager to express themselves and develop new talents.
Additionally, the program includes a Colourful Connections event at the Youth Booth, fostering an inclusive and vibrant space for socialising and networking. For sports enthusiasts, the PCYC will host Indoor Sports Activities at the Glen Innes Indoor Sports Centre over four days, providing a fantastic opportunity to stay active and explore a variety of indoor sports in a fun and supportive environment.
Glen Innes Severn Council General Manager Bernard Smith said Council is grateful for the grant funding received for both the Holiday Break Half-Yearly Summer 2023/24 program and Winter/Spring 2024 Holiday Break Program.
“The Holiday Break Program is all about providing regional youth with meaningful opportunities to engage in their community, learn new skills, and connect with others,” said Mr. Smith.
For a complete list of activities and events happening throughout the region, and to register, please visit: https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/Events-Activities/REGIONAL-YOUTH-SPRING HOLIDAY-BREAK-PROGRAM
Tamworth
Whether you’re looking for activities for kids, tweens or teens, Centrepoint Tamworth has all your school holiday fun available under one roof.
Back by popular demand, Connecting with Bricks will host 6 interactive Lego Workshops on Level 1 of Centrepoint on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 October.
These interactive LEGO® based workshops offer school age participants (5-8 years) the chance to engage in hands-on activities, learn new skills and connect with other young LEGO® enthusiasts alike.
Whether your child is a novice builder or a seasoned Lego Builder, these workshops are designed to challenge and inspire but bookings are essential. To secure your tickets visit www.entertainmentbvenues.com.au
Fill up the rest of your school holiday calendar with tenpin bowling at Tamworth Tenpins thanks to their special bowling, arcade and meal deal package at just $30 per person.
Head to the movies at Forum 6 Cinemas to delight at the epic adventure of The Wild Robot or find out about the untold origin of Optimus Prime and Megatron in Transformers One. Delight at the tale of Annie and her stray dog as they try to save the family farm in movie Runt, or laugh at the hilarious hijinks of Harold and the Purple Crayon.
The award-winning Capital Theatre has two great live shows suitable for kids including The Small Poppies on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October which is a playful look at starting “big school” through the eyes of a 5-year-old. Or treat the kids to the energetic and awe-inspiring Cirque Africa featuring acrobats, dancers, musicians, contortionists all masterfully performing in this energetic two-hour spectacle on Thursday 3 October.
With so much to do these October School Holidays at Centrepoint Tamworth you’ll need to “fuel up” and there is no better place than the Centrepoint Food Court on the ground floor. From sushi to Subway, donuts to doner kebabs, we’ve got you covered. Visit our website for a list of our food outlets including the new Legendary Chinese Restaurant and Purveyor café.
The New England
The NSW Government is offering a range of exciting and free activities for young people this Spring school holidays thanks to the hugely popular Holiday Break program.
With more than 120 programs on offer covering everything from radio courses to cultural experiences and sporting workshops, young people will be able to expand their horizons, be entertained and stay engaged during the holidays all throughout NSW.
To find activities in your local area, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/HolidayBreak.
Something going on in your part of the region you think people should know about? Send us a news tip or email newsdesk@netimes.com.au.