By Callum Ludwig
Two young Yarra Ranges residents have been getting involved to help host events in the Yarra Ranges, getting young people back involved in the community after Covid-19.
19-year-old Chloe Booth and 15-year-old Rhiannon Carroll are a part of Yarra Ranges Council’s FReeZa Committee, ‘Defrosted Events’, a program giving young people the opportunity to organise a range of events from music and dance, to film, exhibitions, and gaming.
Ms Carroll said FReeZa gives young people an opportunity to get a taste for community event management.
“We get to plan, manage and carry out the event, with opportunities for young people to work with artists and productions companies with a number of areas to branch out,” she said.
“It’s been great getting to know some new people, as well as getting some connections, being involved in the community and seeing what next fun thing I can be a part of.”
Applicants aged 14 to 25 who live, study, work or play in the Yarra Ranges can join Defrosted Events for free, whether their interest is in the arts, event management or just putting on and being a part of events for young people.
Ms Carroll said she really loves listening to music and enjoyed being a part of the many musical events arranged by FReeZa.
“In February, we had something we called the All-Ages Tour with wo local artists and two headline Australian acts who came and performed loud rock music for the night, that environment was really my thing,” she said.
“We welcome everyone, it’s such a supportive area and a great way to get some motivation. I’m really thinking of getting involved in the community later in life, I’ve been looking into local justice and community law, that’s what I want to do with my life.”
Ms Booth is also a music enthusiast, being a performer herself, busking on the streets of the city while also taking on local gigs. She also joined in time for the All Ages Tour keen to see the popular Australian bands The Chats and The Teenage Joans perform at the event in Mooroolbark.
Ms Booth said she loves music and she loves writing and performing songs.
“That’s my jam, I’ve done a few gigs in the Healesville area and around Lilydale, and I find busking in the city super fun. It’s always the people that compliment my music or just say they appreciate it, which makes it all worth it,” she said.
“There’s not that much money in busking at the moment coming out of Covid, but it’s great practice and hearing people say ‘I really liked what you’re doing’ just makes it worth it.”
Ms Booth is currently studying music performance at Collarts, learning about working with other artists, and the culture and history of the music scene.
Ms Booth said FReeZa has definitely given her opportunities to meet people in the music industry too.
“It’s helped me get gigs, understand what happens in and behind the scenes of events, and a greater understanding of the industry,” she said.
“It’s been great, after the past two years it’s been awesome to meet like-minded individuals to work together. Everyone’s got different skills and it’s amazing what we can do when we all come together and work towards something.”
There are three flexible options to choose from when deciding whether to join Defrosted Events:
Join a committee for a specific event, helping to plan the event (2-4 hours per week for a limited time)
Volunteer for a day event (hours will depend on the event)
Join our core crew if you want to commit until the end of the year (2-4 hours per week)
Contact a member of the Yarra Ranges Youth Team to find out more about the roles and opportunities with each event and abo
