School's Out! On The Green @ Bracken Ridge

Ah! What it means to be young! Beautiful minds filled with curious and courageous ideas, along with determination to grow while contributing to the world around them. 

Each year, Brisbane Youth Week (BYW) sees individuals and organisations create events that celebrate the achievements of young people aged 12 to 25.

Some of these events are created by the very same young people we honour, including the local youth music festival School’s Out! On the Green (SOOTG).

Bracken Ridge Ward Councillor Sandy Landers said SOOTG first started in 2022 when students from the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC) raised a desire for more activities to be available for teenagers in our suburbs.

“With the help of Council’s Visible Ink team, Jabiru and local school youth supporters and staff we were able to guide and assist the local LMYAC students to create the first youth concert at Bracken Ridge,” Cr Landers said.

SOOTG, now an annual experience, is taking place on Thursday, 28 March ahead of BYW (7-13 April).

Like busy bees, these young minds are working on their theme while booking their entertainment line-up.

Some of last year’s performers included Heatstroke, Old Mate Special, Melophobia, and Murdered by Monday, along with solo artists Rosa Quant, Phoenix Symonds, Emelia Palmer and Anouk Brown.

Planned activities include badge-making, giant blocks, Connect 4, and a photo booth

Scrumptious food vans include much-loved favourites, such as Iced Tea Co, Latino Fusion, potato twisties and ice cream.

Cr Landers gave a huge shout-out to the organising team who dedicated their efforts to such a huge undertaking.

“As a former high school teacher, I love seeing young people take ownership of this event and extend themselves and develop new skills and confidence,” she said. “When an event is run by them for them, it’s far more meaningful and successful.”

It takes many hands to bring this event to fruition, including Brisbane City Council, Visible Ink, Bracken Ridge Library staff, and the Jabiru Youth Team at Bracken Ridge.

“Aspley State School is a great supporter with staff members, Emily and Brendan, playing a big part and also our local PCYCs,” Cr Landers said.

SOOTG, though aimed at young people, is a great community event where all are welcome. Entry is free.

Check them on Instagram: schoolsout_onthegreen

School’s Out! On the Green
Thursday, 28 March, 5-9pm
Bracken Ridge Library Green, Bracken Ridge.