Youth Committee Hits Melbourne for Freeza Summit

Published on 24 April 2025

The young people of Mansfield’s FReezA Committee joined in the statewide program summit held at the Melbourne Recital Centre on 9 April.

Part of Mansfield Shire Youth’s School Holiday Program, the event offered the chance for FReeZA members to gain valuable knowledge of event planning, hurdles and strategies for leadership and teamwork. Committee members engaged in a range of hands-on workshops, including sessions on content creation, event management and running large-scale events in small towns.

The committee is made up of passionate young people aged 12 to 25 who take the lead in planning, organizing, and delivering youth-focused events and training opportunities in their local communities.

At the beginning of 2025, the committee secured a three-year grant to continue delivering the FReezA program across Mansfield Shire.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the program provided valuable opportunities for Mansfield Shire’s young people.

“FReezA has allowed our young people to have some fantastic leadership experiences,” he said.

“The summit was a great opportunity for them to learn and make connections with other future leaders from across Victoria.

“We’re so pleased to be able to continue the program. When Council advocates for and secures funding like through the FReezA program, it means we can offer more opportunities for our community and our young people,” Cr Rabie said.

A major announcement at the Summit revealed that Freeza will soon undergo a rebrand, with the program set to relaunch under the new name AMPLIFY. FReezA has already made its mark this year, with youth music artists taking the stage at the Jamieson Autumn Festival. Looking ahead, the committee is gearing up for upcoming events, including the North East Skate Park Series, participation in the Mansfield Lantern Festival and Battle of the Bands.