SOUTHERN Downs Youth Week is just days away, and there won't be a moment to spare with a driving simulator, laser skirmish, movie night, youth music showcase and dance activities sure to keep young people busy.

Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC), Southern Downs Industry Education Association (SDIEA), headspace Warwick, and CDS Stanthorpe have partnered once again to stage National Youth Week events, all with the theme "Be the Future".

Southern Downs Regional Council's Director Planning, Environment and Community Services Mr Ken Harris said Council was pleased to support National Youth Week and encouraged people to be involved and to hear the voice of young people in the region.

"Young people right across our region have a lot to say and Council looks forward to hearing their thoughts and ideas through the Southern Downs Young Leaders Program. Council will soon be working on the SDRC Youth Action Plan and this is a significant step forward in bringing youth issues to the forefront of Council's agenda.

"This year's calendar of events for National Youth Week on the Southern Downs offers something for young people of all ages. It has been a collaborative effort by many partners to bring what will hopefully prove to be another exciting and successful program for young people in our region," he said.

SDIEA will be onsite at Rose City Shoppingworld from April 11 - 15 with a driving simulator highlighting "Be the Future by Surviving the Drive".

Young people will have the opportunity to test their driving skills and check out SDIEA's services.

Laser skirmish is a popular activity for young people and this year's event, hosted by headspace Warwick, will take place on April 8 from 6pm - 9pm at the Warwick Showgrounds.

This event is for those aged 12-18 years and those keen to participate need to register their interest with Wendy Cochrane on 4661 1999 (headspace).

YMCA WIRAC and the RISE Freestyle Warriors will run a 'Dance Open Day' on April 12 from 4pm - 5pm at WIRAC, 29 Palmerin St Warwick.

RISE Freestyle Warriors describe themselves as a "group of unconventional dancers". Come and dance for fitness and fun (for 5-12 years).

CDS will host a movie night on April 15, screening 'Secret world of Arrietty' (G-rated) at 15 Hilton St Stanthorpe. Entry is $5 and a canteen will operate.

The movie will kick off at 6:30pm and finish at 8:30pm. Contact CDS Youth WorkerNicola Fisher on 4681 3777 for more information.

The Annual Youth Music Showcase will take place on April 16 from 9am-12pm at the Stanthorpe Piazza, hosted by Soular Music Services.

The event will feature young artists from the region and youth services will also be on site to showcase their programs, events and activities.

Other events include the Red Cross Youth Support Service job readiness workshop (April 14); Warwick Blue Light Disco on April 15, and indigenous art activities run by Youth Justice.

The last event will be the "Australia's Got Broadcasting Talent", keeping in theme of "Be the Future", Are you our next Radio Super Star? Register now for upcoming workshops, under 18's only. Due to venue considerations these workshops will run after the Youth Week dates at the Stanthorpe State High School Broadcasting studio in conjunction with TenFM. Contact CDS Youth Worker Nicola Fisher on 4681 3777 for more information.

SDRC appreciates the collaboration of partners and supporters, WIRAC YMCA, RISE Freestyle Warriors, Soular Music Services, Youth Justice, Red Cross Youth Support Service, Ten FM and Warwick Blue Light Disco, in offering such a diverse and interesting calendar of events for young people.

Follow Southern Downs Youth Service on Facebook and check out the Southern Downs Youth Zone on Council's website for more information.

For further enquiries please call Council's Community Services Team on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372), or SDIEA 4666 9218, CDS 4681 3777, and headspace Warwick 4661 1999.