Spring School Holidays Set to Inspire Young Minds
Published on 08 September 2026
Spring has sprung and so have the school holidays! Southern Grampians Shire Council is excited to launch its Spring School Holiday Program, featuring a fantastic mix of free and low-cost activities designed to keep young people entertained, active and engaged throughout the break.
Starting Saturday 19 September, the program offers a variety of experiences across the two-week holiday period, with activities catering to a wide range of ages and interests.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Youth Engagement Officer Jesse Shannahan said the program was developed to provide accessible and enjoyable activities for local families.
“School holidays are a great opportunity for young people to try something different, meet new people and at the end of the day - have a bit of fun.”
"These holidays, there really is something for everyone. Whether you're interested in making, creating, building, writing, staying active or simply trying something new, we hope there's an activity that sparks your interest and encourages young people to get involved."
"We recognise that young people aged 15 to 25 can sometimes be a difficult age group to engage, which is why we're continuing to build opportunities and programs that reflect their interests."
"We want our school holiday program to be more than just something to fill a few hours. It's about creating opportunities for young people to connect, learn new skills, discover new interests and enjoy experiences close to home," Mr Shannahan said.
For teens and young adults (15-25 years):
Box Her Sessions – Join local legend Imogen McDonnell for two inspiring youth boxing workshops, a female - only workshop in Dunkeld, followed by an interview with Imogen, and an all-gender workshop in Penshurst.
Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Course – A valuable opportunity for young adults aged 17-25 to gain an important qualification for future employment.
Golf Course Build – Project Putt – Help create a portable five-hole mini golf course that can be used at community events, schools and festivals across the region.
For younger children and families:
LOOK! A Kids Party at Hamilton Gallery – Celebrate Hamilton Gallery's newest exhibitions with a fun-filled family day of activities and entertainment.
Dinosaurs, Flora and Fauna with Museums Victoria – An interactive experience exploring towering dinosaurs, fascinating Australian megafauna and unique native animals.
Movie Craft: Shaun the Sheep – Enjoy a themed craft activity inspired by everyone's favourite mischievous sheep, followed by a special screening of the movie.
The School Holiday Program is open to young people aged up to 25 years.
All children under 12 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult for the duration of any activity they attend.
Age restrictions apply to specific activities and must be observed. Council is required to comply with Victorian Child Safe Standards and Department of Education requirements for all participants under 18 years of age.
Families can view the full program and make bookings online through Council's website, providing the convenience of accessing all activities in one place.
Places are limited, and some activities are expected to fill quickly. Families are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
"If you have ideas for activities or programs you'd like to see offered in the future, we'd love to hear from you," concluded Mr Shannahan.
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