Youth events

The City of Casey has a variety of programs and activities for Casey youth including: 

• Youth Services Program (see the Winter flyer)
• Casey 360 Bus
• You can join IGN!TE Entertainment to help deliver our FReeZA events
• Plus groups for young writers, arts and music

Expand the panels below for more information

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Casey Creations - Youth Arts Competitions August 2025

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Casey Creations - Youth Arts Competition 2024 has been postponed until August 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to your participation next year.

In the meantime, we encourage you to continue exploring your artistic passions. Keep drawing, painting, creating digital art, taking pictures, or making short films and animations. We can't wait to see what you create!

Fresh Words Young Writers Competition 2025: Announcing our winners!

This Year's Fresh Words Young Writers Competition was nothing short of inspiring! We were blown away by over 160 entries we received from talented young writers in grades 5 to year 12 across creative writing, poetry/lyrics and English as an Additional Language (EAL). Unfortunately, the EAL category did not receive enough entries for awards in 2025.

The judging process was highly competitive, and our esteemed judges had the difficult task of selecting the winners. To all participants, we commend your dedication and effort! Putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) takes courage and creativity, and we are so impressed by the stories you shared.

Big congratulations to our winners. Your talent truly shines through. We also want to give a special shout-out to those who were shortlisted by the judges. Your work deserves recognition, and we encourage you to keep writing and honing your craft.

Didn't see your name on the list this year? Don't be discouraged! Writing is a journey, and every competition is a learning experience. Keep writing, keep exploring your creativity, and we look forward to seeing your entries in future Fresh Words competitions!

Here are the winners of the Fresh Words Young Writers Competition 2025

Creative Writing (Grades 5-6)

• First Place – Aarav T-Shynesh, "Tears Were Born" (Topirum Primary School)
• Merit Award – Theruni Yasaara Korale, "Going Back" (Thomas Mitchell P.S.)
• Encouragement Award – Ethan Manning, "The Time Travelling Opal Hunter" (Kilberry Valley Primary School)

Creative Writing (Years 7-9)

• First Place – Thenuka Senanayake, "Whispers in the Dark" (Berwick Secondary College)
• Merit Award – Jessica Nguyen, "Tag No. 1253" (Kambrya College)
• Encouragement Award – Almira Hafiz, "The House on Cinders Road" (Clyde Secondary College)

Creative Writing (Years 10-12)

• First Place – Ryan Crossley, "Watson's Apology" (Beaconhills College)
• Merit Award – Amna Bilal, "Check, mate" (Nossal High School)
• Encouragement Award – Sinesha Kodikara, "When I Grow Up" (Kambrya College)

Poetry/Lyrics (Grades 5-6)

• First Place – Likhitha Maria Jyothis, "A Koala’s Hope" (Brentwood Park Primary School)
• Merit Award – Neriah Algama, "The Breadwinner's Weep" (St Catherine's Primary School Berwick)
• Encouragement Award – Anahita Billimoria, "Twirl, Flip and Fly" (St Margaret's Berwick Grammar)

Poetry/Lyrics (Years 7-9)

• First Place – Aseni Gnanadasa, "Searching for Peace" (St Margarets Berwick Grammar)
• Merit Award – Minahil Zaidi, "Becoming" (Kambrya College)
• Encouragement Award – Zsofia Cabacis, "Warrior Reborn" (Clyde Secondary College)

Poetry/Lyrics (Years 10-12)

• First Place – Bobby Bhatia, "841" (Nossal High School)
• Merit Award – Sinesha Kodikara, "Bruises and Belief" (Kambrya College)
• Encouragement Award – Thiseni Senanayake, "Mortal Hope" (Nossal High School)

For more information

• Check out the Fresh Words Young Writers Booklet 2025 to see the winning entries in creative writing and poetry/lyrics
• Read about the 2024 Fresh Words Young Writers Competition Winners
• Check out the Fresh Words Young Writers Booklet 2024 to see the winning entries in creative writing and poetry/lyrics
• For any questions, please contact tmcmanus@casey.vic.gov.au

FReeZA Committee – IGN!TE Entertainment 

FReeZA is a Victorian Government initiative that supports young Victorians to get involved in the community by planning and running drug, alcohol, and smoke-free events for other young people.

FReeZA Youth Committee - IGN!TE Entertainment is looking for Casey young people aged 12-25 to join the committee. 

As a committee member, you will be able to:

• Learn about event management from planning to delivery, with a focus on creating safe and fun events for your peers.
• Gain hands-on experience in all aspects of event management, including artist liaison, stage management, and technical production.
• Meet other young people from your community and make a difference.
• Develop valuable skills that you can use in your future career or to make a difference in your community.
• Network with other young people and professionals.
• Support local musicians, artists, and performers.

FReeZA program delivers every two weeks during the school term. 

• When: Tuesdays, every two weeks
• Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
• Location: Narre Warren Youth Information Centre
• Cost: FREE

Interested in becoming an IGN!TE Entertainment committee member?

Complete your Expression of Interest form.

Submissions must be completed by January 31st 2025. 

For further information about FReeZA please check out www.freeza.vic.gov.au or If you would like to speak to Casey FReeZA team please contact the City of Casey 9705 5200 or email Veronica Stanley at vstanley@casey.vic.gov.au.

Music and art groups

The City of Casey has purpose-built performing arts rehearsal centre called The Factory. 

The Factory is home to more than 25 performing arts groups that host dance, theatre, chorale, tutorial, film and many other forms of performing arts activities.

It features a range of rehearsal and practice rooms for hire and a recording studio and video production services for hire.

Casey Young Performers - Call Out

Shine On Stage!

Do you have a talent or skills to share?

City of Casey Youth Services is looking for young performers aged 12-25 years to feature on our upcoming youth events. 

We offer paid opportunities for performers of all types and skill levels, including singers, musicians, dancers, comedians, spoken word poets, magicians, and more.

What are the requirements?

• Performers must be aged 12-25 years old
• Performers must live, work, study, or have a significant connection with the City of Casey

How can I get involved?

Please register your interest by completing the online form.