Youth take centre stage at Aura Youth Fest ’25
Baringa Civic Square came alive with energy and community spirit over the Easter school holidays as Stockland Aura hosted its biggest youth celebration yet — Aura Youth Fest ’25, a free community event created by youth, for youth.
Coordinated by the team at QuEvents, the day welcomed hundreds of young people and their families for an epic afternoon of live music, skateboarding, market stalls, food trucks and good vibes. The festival spotlighted young talent, providing a platform for local youth aged 12–25 to showcase their skills, passions and entrepreneurial flair.
QuEvents General Manager Quentin Leveridge said this year’s event had grown significantly since its launch, and the atmosphere on the day was incredible.
“We had a great mix of music, art, creative entrepreneurs, skateboarding and community engagement,” Quentin said. “It really felt like a celebration of and for our youth.”
A crowd favourite, the Battle of the Bands competition, drew a record number of performers this year.
“The talent was phenomenal, and the judges were blown away,” Quentin said. “It was easy to forget you were listening to performers as young as 14 and 15 because their sets were so polished.”
Winners included:
- Best Stage Presence went to Oceans for Sirius, who will open for a legendary Aussie rock act at Norton Music Factory later this year.
- Best Original Song was awarded to Karma Police, earning them a two-day studio recording package at Yama-Nui Studios.
- The Judges Pick was snapped up by Jacob, Rudi & Coby, taking home a $500 Visa gift card.
In true by youth, for youth fashion, students from the STUFFit Student Film Festival played key roles behind the scenes — taking on responsibilities in stage management, technical production, photography, site crew and more. The event’s branding and poster artwork was also designed by a young creative, 11-year-old Josie.
From sweet treats to handmade treasures, Aura’s youngest entrepreneurs brought serious hustle to the Youth Markets.
Over at the Youth Markets, local entrepreneurs showcased everything from jewellery and handmade crochet gifts to delicious, sweet treats and fashion items.
“It’s amazing to see young people take their ideas and turn them into something real and then being supported by the Aura community,” Quentin said. “Matilda’s Bakehouse was a personal favourite!”
Aura’s Community Development Manager Charlotte Buckley said the festival is all about creating meaningful, inclusive opportunities for the youth to shine.
“Youth Fest is such a special day on our events calendar,” Charlotte said. “It gives young people a platform and the opportunity to connect with each other and the rest of the Aura community. Whether they’re aspiring musos or budding entrepreneurs, events like this can really empower the next generation of Aura residents.”
Young talent took the stage (and the spotlight) at Battle of the Bands — and totally rocked it!
With Chiggys Skateboarding hosting everyone’s favourite skate workshops and a skating competition, a dunk tank run by Baringa State Secondary College (yes, teachers got dunked!), and support from youth mental health and career services, this year’s Youth Fest offered more than just entertainment. And it really brought the whole community together.
Plans are already underway for 2026 and if this year is anything to go by, Aura Youth Fest is only going to get bigger and better.