Griffith’s Community Drug Action Group and Griffith Regional Theatre took out a top prize presented by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) following the success of the MYFEST (Murrumbidgee Youth Extreme Arts Festival). 

The inaugural MYFEST event aims to get young people engaged in the arts through performances, workshops and concerts. 

Griffith CDAT President Pat Cox says it’s important for regional and rural communities to offer alcohol-free events for young people. 

“It’s particularly important to show these events can be run successfully and enjoyed by the community across the board by young and old without having to provide alcohol,” she said. 

“It’s become such a part of the Australian culture, it’s important we offer alternatives.” 

She also highlighted the importance of having alcohol-free alternatives for young people at different events, as well as improving education on alcohol consumption. 

The award was presented on March 12 in Newcastle at a statewide conference. 

Griffith City Regional Theatre Manager Raina Savage said MYFEST showed of the skills of the town’s young people. 

“Lots of events are focused around venues where there is alcohol and a lot of young people are excluded from participating,” she said.

“We’ve shown young people are more than capable of organising their own events and enjoying them without alcohol.” 

Planning is already underway for this year’s event.

RELATED: 

While MYFEST 2017 focused on engaging as many people through as many different events as possible, Ms Savage said this year will bring a few larger activities and concerts. 

“There will be a similar event this year. It won’t be as big this year, but we’re honing our focus on a few larger events,” she said.  

“Last year, we had a lot of different events to try and engage as many people as possible. This year, we’ll have bigger and more inclusive events.” 

Mrs Cox said the CDAT were “thrilled” to win the award. She highlighted the importance of strong community links in CDAT’s work. 

“It’s all about partnerships. CDAT couldn’t run this kind of event on it’s own. We need those links with community groups.” 

MYFEST 2018 will run from September 9 – 15.