A new youth event aimed at bringing together young people from across the Ararat region is set to make its debut next month.

Presented by Ararat Rural City Council’s YEAH Crew, the Youth Ignite 2026 event offers a jam-packed program featuring live-music performances, interactive life-skill level-up areas, wildlife encounters, food trucks and direct access to support and career advice from community partners.

The first 149 attendees at the October 17 event at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval will receive a free show bag filled with sweet treats from Flossy’s and Poppy’s, YEAH Crew merch and more.

Attendees can enjoy live music by local group Band In Progress and get up close with animals through Tyron’s Wildlife Encounters.

People can also connect with emergency services, community groups and education providers at interactive stalls designed to help young people.

Food trucks including Spud Stick, Uncle Jum’s Baked Potatoes, Grampians Ezy Eats and Hippie Whippy Ice Cream will accept cash and EFTPOS.

Mayor Bob Sanders said free buses would operate to and from surrounding townships to help people attend the event.

“We’re really excited to launch Youth Ignite 2026, a fantastic new event built to bring our region’s young people together,” he said.

“Our YEAH Crew are a brilliant group of local youth, and they’ve worked incredibly hard to pull this event together.

“It’s a chance for youth to hang out, enjoy the live music and local food trucks, and pick up some new skills or check out career pathways with education providers and emergency services.

“It’s a free event so I encourage everyone to get their tickets, get involved, and enjoy a great day out.”

Youth Ignite 2026 is a smoking, vaping, e-cigarette, drug and alcohol-free event.

Professional crowd control and community-safety partners will be on site throughout the day.

Youth Ignite 2026 will be at Alexandra Oval, Ararat, from 2pm to 7pm on October 17, with registration required for free entry.

To register for the event or for more information including bus timetable details, people can visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au/events.

The entire September 23, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!