Young people in Margaret River came together for the Drug Aware Loud and Proud series during Youth Week 2022.

The three-day festival included a Pride event, with drag performances by Serenity Von Varda and Miss Cara, music performances by young local musicians, and a mural painting workshop facilitated by Stu McMillan and the Youth Advisory Council. Interactive stalls with merchandise and information were set up during the event by LDAG, run by WAPOL, and Margi Pride.

“Our Pride event brought a lot of colour and a positive atmosphere to the Margaret River Youth Precinct. Our LGBTQIA+ youth were really pleased to be represented and to have an event dedicated to being yourself and being proud.

“Our music event provided some young people the opportunity to play their first paid performance, and painting the mural allowed the young people of Margaret River to build their own creative identity in a friendly environment. This was really important to us, and it led to one of the funkiest murals in our Youth Precinct.”

Drag queen performs on stage to a small audience Drag Queen Miss Cara performing to an audience. Photo by Jason Cleary.

Project Name: Drug Aware Loud and Proud
Project Coordinators: James Ransley and Shannon Walker
Auspice: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Amount Approved: $4,000
Funding Program: Drug Aware YCulture Regional
Region: South West