Learn to be water-safe while having a blast at Nagambie youth events

By Contributed

Mar 5, 2025

Nagambie band The Viceroys, featuring Jeremiah Johnston on guitar and vocals, Tyler Kipping on drums, and Grace Whitney on the bass, are set to play at Strathbogie Shire Council’s Skate Park Party on March 9. Photo by Contributed

Young people across the district, bring your dancing shoes and your bathers to Nagambie on the upcoming Labour Day long weekend.

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Because Strathbogie Shire Council will be hosting two FReeZA youth events on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9.

AquaSafe Day, a fun outdoor event with live music, food trucks and water activities, will kick off at 1pm on the Saturday.

The water activities were designed to foster confidence, safety and water skills in young people.

Sunday's Skate Park Party will invite youth to be part of beginner skateboarding sessions, a skate jam with prizes and trophies, a free barbecue, live music and an outdoor cinema screening of the PG film The Wild Robot.

Local talent to play on the day include The Viceroys, Jeremiah Johnston, Anthony Chisholm and Clean Coil.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said, “We encourage youth to engage and attend AquaSafe Day and the Skate Park Party.

“They provide an inclusive, safe and fun environment for our youth to learn and discover new activities in and around Nagambie.

“We are aware that some members of the community do not have access or resources to learn about water safety, so we are pleased to provide this opportunity for all abilities at Lake Nagambie.”

The Royal Life Saving Society's National Drowning Report 2024 highlights the critical need for water safety education.

It revealed that 323 people in Australia drowned last year, with a 16 per cent increase in the 10-year average of total drownings between 2023 and 2024.

AquaSafe Day is supported by Strathbogie Shire Council, FReeZA Crew, GoAdventure, Nagambie Rowing Club, and the Nagambie Sailing Club, to deliver impactful and educational water safety information to support the community of Strathbogie Shire.

“Events that upskill and support the youth in our community are imperative to build understanding and confidence for their future,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.

These inclusive, free events are made possible through the Community Recovery Hub, which itself is supported by both the Federal and state governments via the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.