Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer, Mel Fattore, Wagga Wagga Community Drug Action Team’s Melissa Nobel and Joel Horby, and Relationships Australia’s Keri Mitcherson and Chloe Foster are inviting Wagga’s youth to Kooringal Kicks and Tricks. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Wagga’s back-to-school event, Kooringal Kicks and Tricks, will once again fill Henwood Park, giving the city’s young skaters a chance to show their skills.
Kicking off on 29 January, the event, organised by Wagga Wagga City Council, Relationships Australia Canberra and Regions, the NSW Government, and the Wagga Wagga Community Drug Action Team, will see skaters aged 10 to 25 take part in a multi-heat competition while learning how to navigate challenges young people can face.
Alongside the competition, the wheel experts and young mentors from Al’s Skate Co will be hosting workshops teaching young people how to perform tricks on their skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes and roller blades.
Community partners Rapid Relief Team Wagga, St Vincent’s de Paul Riverina and Karralika, along with NSW Youth Justice, will also be providing free haircuts on the day, much-needed school resources, a free barbecue and general health checks with a registered nurse.
Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer, Mel Fattore, said the event was about providing meaningful support to young people and their families while also offering a fun day out before the school year began.
“Alongside the competition, young people, their friends, family and circle of care will have the opportunity to engage with valuable youth services based in Wagga Wagga through fun and exciting activities like handball competitions, free bike repair workshops and giant lawn games,” Ms Fattore said.
“We’re excited to provide one last fun, social and jam-packed school holiday event, which is positive and provides much-needed relief to our community.”
Young volunteer Monica assisted at the 2025 event as part of council’s Youth of Wagga Crew. She provided educational resources to young people and families and collected feedback from attendees throughout the event.
“It was such a fun experience! At Kooringal Kicks and Tricks, there’s something for everyone, and it really gives you the chance to recognise our strong community, while also creating a supportive space for everyone, especially young people,” Monica said.
Wagga Wagga Community Drug Action Team’s Melissa Noble said her team would be providing back-to-school resources to participants while also allowing Wagga youth to have conversations about how to safely navigate drugs and alcohol.
“On the day, we’ll be providing some school resources for young people, especially targeting young people who might be a little bit disadvantaged, so providing some support and access to them,” she said.
“We’ll also have some information and resources there for young people and their parents in relation to alcohol and other drugs.
“So last year, we ran some activities just looking at standard drinks, and had a chocolate wheel and prizes, and one of our staff members also did face painting. So it was really interactive. And honestly, it was fantastic.”
For more information, including workshops and the skate competition, visit the Wagga Wagga City Council website here.
