Bendigo’s winter school holidays got a vibrant boost on Friday 19 July with the Fruit Punch Pool Party & Dive-In Movie — a youth-led celebration of fun, community, and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ young people, their friends, families, and allies.

Held at the heated indoor pool at Belgravia Leisure Centre, the free event welcomed over 60 attendees to swim, play games, enjoy good food, and float while watching the cult classic Scooby-Doo (2002) screened poolside.

But Fruit Punch was more than just a party — it was a space designed by young people, for young people, to promote body positivity, safety, and belonging. The event aimed to create an environment where young people could feel confident and comfortable in themselves, supported by their community every step of the way.

The YO Events team — a group of passionate young people from YO Bendigo — brought the night to life with creative flair and thoughtful planning. The venue was transformed with Scooby-Doo themed decorations, including a Mystery Machine selfie booth cut-out, colourful signage, and a playlist of feel-good YouTube clips curated by attendees. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was playful, welcoming, and full of personality.

The night featured swimming games, a Polaroid photo booth, a chill-out zone with giant beanbags and oversized board games, and plenty of snacks, including fish and chips, dim sims, potato cakes, and of course, fruit punch. Community stallholders added to the experience, including Headspace Bendigo, Thorne Harbour Country, and Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and Beyond (TGDBB), who hosted a gender-affirming clothes swap. A Binder Try-On Station led by occupational therapist Nik Knighton offered private fittings in a supportive environment.

Lucky door prizes donated by UNtag and Sock Drawer Heroes included a $100 voucher for inclusive swimwear and trans-supportive gear — a hit with attendees.

Organisers made sure the event felt safe and welcoming, with features like a no-photography policy, accessible facilities, LGBTQIA+ ally-trained security, and links to wellbeing resources like Trans Hub and the Rainbow Project.

Fruit Punch continues to be a standout example of youth-led programming through YO Bendigo and the City of Greater Bendigo, reflecting a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and young people taking the lead in shaping their community.