Perfect Sunday afternoon weather combined with an ideal waterfront location to make Sunday’s beach party a huge success. The beach party, held in Apex Park, was the culmination of the ‘Rip and Dip’ weekend organised by FReeZA Northern District Community Health (NDCH). The program also included painting the Kerang Skate Park, a movie night at the Kerang Swimming Pool and a skate workshop. 

Youth Health Promotion Worker at NDCH, Matt Allen, was pleased with the attendance at the Cohuna event. “Having these opportunities for young people to socialise and to hang out with their friends, and see some new stuff is awesome,” he said.

A highlight of the beach party was the live music performed by several young artists over the course of the event, enjoyed by the crowd relaxing on the grass. Matt explains, “It’s an opportunity to give young people the chance to perform, and to be able to employ them as musicians.”

Youth from primary school age through to early twenties played volleyball and other games that were on offer in the park, as well as paddling and swimming in the creek.

Taylah Clements, who recently came on board as a volunteer with NDCH FReeZA, explained that the role of FReeZA is to, “get young people out and about in the community and to have a safe space to come to events they know they can participate in. Anyone can come in and join.”

She encourages youth to join in when the events are on. “If more of these events start popping up, go to them. It’s a great way to relax with friends, family, sit down by the beach or by the pool and watch a movie.”