Our Voice, Our Impact is the theme of Youth Week which will kick off locally on Friday 4 April.

The Hastings Youth Advisory Council has been instrumental in developing ideas for Youth Week events that will have broad appeal to young people of all ages.

Young people are encouraged to take part in these events, providing an opportunity to express themselves and showcase their talents.

A number of activities will be on offer during Youth Week including acoustic performances by young people, jumbo chalk sticks to draw on the Glasshouse forecourt, board games, a giant snakes and ladders board for all ages, concerts and more.

Most events and activities are free.

In the lead up to Youth Week an amazing number of high school students participated in Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's online youth survey competition.

Students at all local high schools were invited to take part in the competition (run by the Youth Advisory Council) with the aim of informing Council's new Hastings Youth Strategy 2014-2017 - one of the biggest youth engagement projects on the Mid North Coast.

Wauchope High School had a 56% participation rate taking second place in the competition to St Paul's.

Council's Youth Development Officer, Angela Hughes, said the survey had provided great insight into the lives of young people living in the Hastings and a great reflection on the positive and vibrant contribution young people make to the local community.

The survey also provided valuable information regarding what young people in the Port Macquarie-Hastings are concerned about most.

Ms Hughes said the top personal concerns were failing exams and not keeping up with school work.

"Bullying and stress are the biggest concerns to local young people as a whole".

Ms Hughes said Council would continue to engage with young people in the lead up to and during Youth Week events and activities.

For further information on Youth Week activities please visit our website at http://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Resident-Services/Community/Youth/Youth-Week