The skateparks of Sanctuary Point and Sussex Inlet came alive on the weekend of 11 and 12 October, as over Project Skate events were made possible through a generous community grant from Bendigo Bank Sanctuary Point and Districts, whose support helped turn the students’ vision into reality. The events were part of the Youth Voice Project, an initiative that empowers Vincentia High School students to lead projects that make a difference in their local communities.
Both days were led by the Totem Skateboarding team, including Olympian Liv Lovelace, who brought incredible energy and encouragement to the sessions. On both days Totem ran two structured skateboarding workshops followed by a Skate Jam, a friendly skate competition where participants could show off their skills, try new tricks, and cheer each other on.
A real standout moment was seeing the Project Skate students from Vincentia High School team deliver one of their main goals, providing a free, fun, and inclusive event for the Bay and Basin community. Supported by Firefly Bay and Basin, the students took charge of everything from planning and promotion to on-the-day logistics. Watching them step up with confidence and teamwork was a proud moment for everyone involved.
The local community also played a key role. Sanctuary Point Community Pride Inc. and the Sussex Inlet Neighbourhood Centre rolled up their sleeves to cook the much-loved community sausage sizzle and helped promote the events through their networks. The atmosphere was upbeat, welcoming, and supportive, a true celebration of community spirit.
Feedback from the weekend was overwhelmingly positive. Young people and families alike asked for more events like this, saying how much they appreciated having a safe, positive space to connect, learn, and have fun. At the Sussex Inlet event, conversations naturally turned into the dream of a new and improved skate park, one with added street-style features and better amenities. The buzz of enthusiasm quickly turned into talk of community collaboration and advocacy, with parents and residents voicing their support for making it happen.
Project Skate Youth Voice students are now analysing the data they collected from skaters and community members and are working on a concept design for a new Sussex Inlet skate park. Their goal is to present the design to the community, rally local support, and inspire collective action to bring the new park to life.
The biggest takeaway from the weekend? That young people are capable of incredible things when given the opportunity. The Project Skate team proved themselves to be passionate advocates for their peers and their community, showing leadership, creativity, and determination.
The Project Skate events didn’t just deliver two great days of skating; they built momentum, strengthened community connections, and reminded everyone that change starts with young people having a voice and the courage to use it.