Young creatives are invited to showcase their artistic talents and original creations at a new youth arts gala event in November.
Hosted by the McCaffery family in co-operation with Baw Baw Arts Alliance, the showcase titled "The Mad Hatter's Tea Party: Curious Creations by Young Artists" will be held at the VRI Hall in Warragul on Saturday, November 29 between 2pm and 4pm.

The afternoon gala will present a wide mix of youth performance and exhibition. Items may be original or may be fresh interpretations of existing works. Music, drama, dance, visual art, poetry and comedy will all feature in a playful "tea-party" themed setting.
Young people aged six to 25 are encouraged to apply to perform or exhibit. Older creatives who wish to mentor, collaborate or assist are also welcome.
The organisers are particularly interested in original music, poetry, dance or drama. Performances of existing works, especially those by Australian writers and composers, are also welcomed.
Organiser Malcolm McCaffery said the idea was inspired by his childhood experience in Canada, where every public school in his hometown had music, drama and dance as part of ordinary school life, instead of being confined to private programs.

"Here, many schools have little or no performing arts," Malcolm said. "Even where programs exist, there are very few chances for young people to share their own original work with the wider public, we want to change that."
Malcolm emphasised the many benefits participating in the arts provides young people, including improved confidence, social connection, resilience, mental health, and reductions in isolation and delinquency. He believed Baw Baw Shire could become a national leader in this space if the community chooses to support projects like these.
"Our family's goal, together with groups like Baw Baw Arts Alliance, Fiddlesticks Performing Arts, and anyone else who wants to be part of it, is to dismantle cliques, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and make Baw Baw Shire a vibrant breeding ground for young creatives," he said.

To get involved in the event, register your interest at bit.ly/WarragulYouthArtsGala
Tickets to the gala can be purchased online at bit.ly/BawBawMadHatters
Money raised through ticket sales will support accessibility upgrades to the VRI Hall, including the installation of a new ramp, and also the "Activate Cello Project" via the Australian Cultural Fund, which plans to fund cello scholarships and brings professional expertise into the region.
Audience members are encouraged to come along dressed up as characters from Alice In Wonderland.