FReeZA

The FReeZA program supports young people to organise festivals, live music events and cultural workshops for other young people in their local community. FReeZA events are drug, alcohol and smoke free. They are held in supervised and safe venues.

Each year over 150,000 young people attend more than 400 FReeZA events across Victoria. The program provides opportunities for young Victorians to actively participate in their communities. FReeZA also assists young musicians and emerging artists to develop skills, showcase their talent and plan their career in music, entertainment or the performing arts.

The Victorian Government has committed $4 million over 2010–2011 to fund this youth development initiative.

FReeZA supports young people to organise live events

FReeZA Committees are located in metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria and are made up of young people aged 12–25 years. Currently 78 local government and community organisations across Victoria receive funding to assist local young people to deliver the FReeZA program in 2010 and 2011.

Through these committees, young people have the chance to:

• Have a say about what type of events and cultural activities are performed in their community
• Participate in creating music events and cultural activities in their community
• Develop skills in decision making and project leadership
• Participate in their communities as volunteers
• Form close networks with local businesses, schools and other community organisations.

The program also provides important performance opportunities for young people through statewide competitions such as the FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands.

FReeZA supports young music careers

The FReeZACentral program provides important opportunities for local young musicians and emerging artists. Participants can develop skills, showcase their talent and plan their career through:

• Attendance at free accredited workshops
• Participation in the FReeZACentral mentoring program
• Practical experience – young people who complete the Workshop and Mentoring program have an opportunity to practise their new skills by putting together a CD recording for release and assisting in the organisation of a FReeZACentral tour.

Getting involved

Visit FReeZA www.freeza.vic.gov.au for more information about joining your local FReeZA Committee or to find out about upcoming events in your area.

Where to get help

• FReeZA

Things to remember

• The FReeZA program supports young people to organise festivals, live music events and cultural workshops for other young people in their local community.
• FReeZA events are held in supervised and safe venues. They are drug, alcohol and smoke free.
• The FReeZACentral program assists young musicians and emerging artists in Victoria to develop skills, showcase their talent and plan their career.

You might also be interested in:

• Alcohol - teenagers.
  
• Drugs - some facts.
  
• Drugs - teenagers.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

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Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: March 2010

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/FReeZA_explained?open">FReeZA - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
FReeZA is a Victorian Government initiative that supports young Victorians to actively participate in their local community through organising drug, alcohol and smoke free music and cultural events for other young people.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2012  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.