Young talent takes centre stage

YOUNG residents of Golden Plains Shire are getting ready to rock with Battle of the Bands at Inverleigh next weekend.

The competition will take place at Inverleigh Hall on Saturday 25 August from 6.30pm.

The event is designed to showcase up-and-coming artists of all genres and Kiara, part of headline act Horse Under Radar, said she is looking forward to the evening.

“When we found out we were just so surprised because this year we didn’t intend to look for any gigs or anything because we wanted to focus on school,” she said.

“We were so excited and thought we might as well do it.

“We are excited to perform again… it’s always fun to get on stage and have the time of our lives.”

The event is being funded by FReeZA, a Victorian Government initiative which helps young Victorians to get involved with their community in drug and alcohol-free environments.

Taya is one of the youth committee members and she said the group has been busy organising.

“I am personally really interested in music and planning, and I felt FReeZa was a way to do that,” she said.

“I’ve really enjoyed how functional it is with the community and how you get to learn about lots of different things and what different people in your community enjoy.”

Kiara said it is important for young people to get involved with their community.

“The young people are the driving force of the world if anything,” she said.

“If they start partaking in community events it helps them build characteristics and it helps them develop.

“It means the world is going to be in better hands.”

Tickets to the event are free, however, bookings are essential and can be made at bit.ly/3WXDE5O.