The SoundSoul music festival attracted close to 300 young people for a day of music, creativity, and community action. Held on Darkinjung land, this free event – coordinated by The Skill Engineer Ltd. and backed by a network of community partners – was designed to bring meaningful opportunities and activities to youth in one of the Central Coast’s most marginalised areas. 

The festival, held at Blue Haven Community Centre Grounds, aimed to empower young people by providing a platform to showcase local talent in music, art, and production. From vibrant performances by local artists Harry Kirby, Turtle Custard, Ruby Archer, Spree, and Dire to interactive activities, DJ sets, and free food, SoundSoul created a lively atmosphere that celebrated creativity and connected the community in an inspiring way. 

What set SoundSoul apart was that it was coordinated by youth, for youth, guided by experienced local music professionals. From the artists and bands to the coordination of the event, young people were involved in every aspect of the festival, making it a true celebration of youth talent and leadership. A youth stage management and sound crew, supported by professional guidance, event management supervision, and help from local volunteers, played a key role in the festival. 

“We aimed to reach marginalised youth in isolated parts of the Central Coast, giving them a chance to participate in something meaningful,” said Mike McCarthy, Creative Director at The Skill Engineer Ltd. “With transport often a barrier, we wanted to create a space where they could connect, express themselves, and feel part of their community.” 

The success of SoundSoul was made possible through the collaboration of community partners, including We Are Uniting, Central Coast Youth Services, Song Lab, Central Coast Council, The Y NSW Central Coast, The Epicentre and dedicated volunteers from Lovebites, The Y Street Gym and Slam Factory. Together, these organisations ensured the event’s success by reaching youth who often have limited access to such activities.  

Funded by the NSW Government Youth Opportunities Program, SoundSoul showcased the strength of community partnerships in empowering and uplifting local youth. Beyond offering entertainment, the event became a vibrant hub where young people could develop new skills, create meaningful connections with peers, and connect with local youth services.