On the evening of Friday 8 September, Hindmarsh Shire residents of all ages came out in droves to support the Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council and the sold out Fashion Fest 2017 event.

The Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council, along with a hardworking group of almost 50 young people from across the Shire, ran workshops over the last several months to provide youth with the skills necessary to enable them to participate in a number of different ways across the evening.

The event featured fashion design by creators across 5 categories, with local young designers aged between 10 and 25 given the opportunity for their creations to be seen and admired on the catwalk.

Dynamic, ambitious and vibrant, with a cutting-edge fashion essence, Fashion Fest 2017 was a celebration of fashion, arts and culture, including an action packed stylish runway show. The night featured six stunning models, Diana Wheaton, Monique Wheaton, Tempany Croot, Cher Lay Paw, Cassidy Jones and Mikayla Farmers. The models looked fantastic with extraordinary hair and makeup design by Tarnee White, Claudia Schneider, Tess McQueen and Lucy Dart. With a live DJ and delicious homemade food, Fashion Fest was the region's biggest youth social event of 2017!

The inaugural Fashion Fest was held at the Nhill Memorial Community Centre with the main hall lit up with professional lighting and stimulating sound effects from Vornehm Audio Visual. All aspects helped to deliver the most exciting runway event seen within Hindmarsh Shire.

Fashion Fest 2017 was not just an event - it was the entire Hindmarsh community - young and old - coming together to create a total fashion experience. From the moment guests arrived, they were entertained with food, fashion, film, music and fun. The photo booth was a crowd favourite, dutifully managed on the evening by photographers Chloe Baker, Emma Griffiths and Nandasan Bleh Dah.

Guests were greeted by an entertaining short film showing the various stages of event preparation created by tireless volunteer Nette Welsh, who also assisted with the pre event fashion workshops.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Debra Nelson said "There are some incredibly talented young designers in our catchment area. Special mentions need to be made regarding the designs of Emily Koop, Elena James, Bridie O'Halloran, Jess Revell, Macy Fuller, Heidi Smith, Samantha Creek, Eliza Creek, Zoa Mock, Allison Miller, Caroline Lee and Nandasan Bleh Dah." An enormous effort was also made in the kitchen, with all food crafted from scratch by Siobhan Holland and a hardworking team of waitresses, Hayley Brooker, Danni Haebich, Venetia Kardogeros, Imogen Bird, Clarissa Bigham, Heidi Smith, Madalyn Toet, Tara Petschel and Tehya Clarke, who helped deliver the platters across the evening.

Cr Nelson continued "It really was a very engaging experience for the young people involved and those who attended. It was a truly fantastic event. Well done to all involved."

Organisers were overwhelmed with the support in staging the event and extended their thanks and gratitude to the many people who dedicated their time and efforts to help to help make Fashion Fest 2017 the spectacular event that it was. This thanks and gratitude was also extended to those within the community who attended the event, helping to make it the great night that it was.

This smoke, drug and alcohol free event was made possible with the assistance of State Government Freeza Funding. To provide feedback please call Meg Hall on 5391 4444 or email your queries to Youth@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Hindmarsh Shire photo.