Youth take centre stage
Published on 22 July 2025
Portland’s vibrant youth community took centre stage on Friday night at the Live and Local: Battle of the Jams event, celebrating the power of music, creativity and community spirit.
Hosted at the Portland Yacht Club and funded by Amplify, the evening showcased nine emerging music acts and drew an enthusiastic crowd in support of our local up-and-coming talent.
The high-energy competition featured standout performances from Amelia & Matilda, Copilot, Pop & Bop, Imy Rose, Microplastic Shotgun, Benny Cattell, Sneeze, Concrete and Osmosis.
Each act brought their unique sound and style, impressing the crowd and making it a tough decision for judges. Ultimately, Microplastic Shotgun took out the top spot, captivating the audience with their charisma and musical originality.
The initiative was further strengthened through integration with the Glenelg Shire Youth’s Life Hacks program, held over the school holidays. This hands-on training initiative empowered young people to earn valuable certificates in responsible service of alcohol, coffee making and food handling.
Eight participants from the program then put their new skills to work, volunteering on the night in hospitality roles serving mocktails, supporting Sun Bear BBQ with food service and assisting Ciao Bella with taking orders and making coffees.
The atmosphere of the evening was elevated by striking visual artwork by talented local artist Kyra-lea Martyn, whose designs transformed the venue into a creative celebration of local youth culture.
Glenelg Shire Youth Development Officers Melissa Smith and Meghan Bennett said “Live and Local wasn’t just a concert, it was a community effort that showcased what young people can achieve when given the support, training and platform to shine. The success of this event speaks volumes about the talent and drive we have right here in our region.”
The Glenelg Shire Youth team, in partnership with the Glenelg Libraries and the Portland Arts Centre teams, will continue to deliver the Music Monday program. This initiative provides a valuable opportunity for emerging talent to participate in workshops and open jam sessions designed to build musical skills, encourage collaboration, and boost performance confidence.
The next Music Monday session will be held at the Portland Arts Centre on Monday, 11 August from 3pm to 6pm.
To learn more, visit the Glenelg Shire Youth social media pages or website.