Tonight I attended the 2007 Graduation Evening for Amplified Productions, Maroondah’s FreeZA Group.

FReeZA, a program jointly funded by the City of Maroondah and the State Government, consists of a committee of volunteers aged between 12 and 25 to organise music and cultural events over a twelve-month period. The committee, which meets every Tuesday evening, is responsible for organising, managing and promoting live music gigs within Maroondah, including the youth musical acts for the Maroondah Festival.

The program provides a unique opportunity for young people to experience different facets of the music industry. This year’s group, which operated for a total of 15 months, organised a total of 10 musical gigs, including a wide variety of different musical genres.

While the program had its share of challenges, each of the people involved remarked on its overall positive experience and ability to help clarify potential future career paths.

The Maroondah FReeZA program is available for all young residents within the City of Maroondah. For further information please visit EV’s Youth Centre at www.evsyouthcentre.com.