Council, Totem Skateboarding Host Epic Skate Workshops
Federation Council, in partnership with Totem Skateboarding, successfully hosted free and engaging Learn to Skate workshops for local youth during the recent school holidays and NSW Youth Week. Held at Howlong Skatepark on April 22nd and Corowa Skatepark on April 23rd, the events provided accessible opportunities for young people to learn new skills and connect with their community.
These popular community events were made possible through a $10,000 Regional Youth Holiday Break – Autumn 2025 Grant from the NSW Government, complemented by a $2,420 co-contribution from Federation Council, demonstrating a commitment to providing enriching activities for the region’s youth.
The workshops saw impressive participation, with 27 registrations in Howlong and 56 in Corowa. Attendees travelled from various surrounding areas including Howlong, Corowa, Mulwala, Wodonga, Thurgoona, and Oaklands, highlighting the program’s broad regional appeal. To ensure inclusivity, Federation Council facilitated a free bus service for youth traveling from the more distant communities of Urana and Oaklands to the Corowa event.
Federation Council Mayor Cr Cheryl Cook said it was absolutely fantastic to see so many young people enthusiastically embrace the Learn to Skate workshops in Howlong and Corowa.
“These events, made possible through the generous NSW Government grant and Council’s support, provided a wonderful opportunity for our youth to learn new skills, be active, and connect with their peers in a fun and supportive environment,” Mayor Cook said.
“The impressive turnout from across the region truly highlights the need for and success of such initiatives. I commend the Federation Youth Council for their fantastic contributions and thank Totem Skateboarding for their expertise and positive engagement with our young people. Seeing the smiles on the participants’ faces and their newfound confidence was truly rewarding.”
Designed for beginner and intermediate skaters aged 6 and up, the workshops were fully inclusive, providing all necessary safety gear and equipment. Participants enjoyed warm-ups, beginner classes, engaging demonstrations, supportive mentoring sessions, and a lively skate and scooter jam.
The Federation Youth Council played a significant role in enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of the events, contributing creative ideas such as collaborative music playlists and fun face painting. Special thanks are extended to Youth Councillor Alyssa Walda and Youth Mayor Max Sampson for their enthusiastic participation and positive engagement with their peers.
Complimentary BBQs were held at both locations, fostering community connection and facilitated by dedicated local groups including the Howlong Community Progress Association, Howlong Men’s Shed, and Corowa Girl Guides. The events also integrated valuable educational resources, with the Federation Primary Prevention Team offering informative literature and giveaways on drug and alcohol prevention, and Intereach sharing crucial mental health support information through their Reach Out And Relax (ROAR) Program.
The workshops reached an exciting climax with a captivating display of professional skateboarding and impressive tricks performed by Nixen Osborne, one of Australia’s leading young skateboarders, inspiring the young participants.
At the conclusion of the workshops, the Totem Skateboarding team generously handed out prizes to all participants. The giveaways were substantial, ranging from stickers and posters to highly sought-after t-shirts, hoodies, and even skateboard decks, leaving participants with lasting positive memories and a tangible sense of achievement. The positive influence of the Totem team was evident in the numerous requests for autographs on skateboards and clothing. Observers noted a significant growth in participants’ confidence and a marked improvement in their skateboarding skills within just a few short hours, with many experiencing skateboarding for the very first time.
https://www.federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au/News-Media/Federation-Council-and-Totem-Skateboarding-deliver-epic-Learn-to-Skate-Workshops-for-local-youth