Port Pirie Regional Council, Media Release, 24 October 2025
Port Pirie Regional Council is delighted to announce that the State Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s (SATC) Drought Relief Regional Event Fund, has committed support for Our Youth / Our Festival, a brand-new community celebration designed and delivered by young people in Port Pirie.
This vital funding will help bring to life an exciting youth-led event on the Port Pirie Foreshore in November 2025, showcasing the energy, imagination, and leadership of the region’s young people.
Council CEO Chris Davey said the announcement recognises the importance of youth voices in shaping community events and ensuring regional resilience.
“This funding is an investment in our young people and our community’s future,” Mr Davey said.
“It supports us to create a vibrant festival that fosters connection, attracts visitors, and shines a spotlight on Port Pirie as a resilient and creative regional centre.”
The event will feature a dynamic program of activities, performances, and community-led initiatives designed by John Pirie Secondary School students and supported by Council staff, local businesses, and community partners. From food, music, and market stalls to sports, art, and wellbeing activities, the festival will celebrate the diversity and creativity of our region’s youth.
Port Pirie Regional Council’s Gallery and Cultural Arts Coordinator, Ursula Halpin, said the State Government funding was crucial to expanding the vision.
“The enthusiasm from JPSS Year 10 students has been extraordinary. With this support from the State Government through the SATC, alongside Council’s commitment, and local businesses we can now deliver a youth festival that is inclusive, exciting, and truly representative of our community’s spirit,” Ms Halpin said.
The Drought Relief Regional Event Fund provides sponsorship for events in drought-affected regions across South Australia, aiming to foster connection, boost tourism, and support community wellbeing.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said the Our Youth / Our Festival – Port Pirie Youth Event is the perfect example of what the Drought Relief Regional Event Fund aims to achieve.
“This new event delivers on the purpose of the Fund, which is to provide important and lasting benefits to our regional communities, as they bring people together, while delivering needed dollars into the pockets of local businesses.”
“I commend the organisers for turning community feedback into delivering an impactful youth-led festival that will boost morale, promote social connection, while showcasing the region’s creativity, and I encourage anyone who can to enjoy this great day out.
Our Youth / Our Festival will take place on Saturday 29 November 2025 at Solomontown Beach Foreshore, with full details to be released in the coming weeks.
For further information about the event, visit Council’s website: Our Youth – Our Festival | Port Pirie Regional Council.
