Young people from across the Commonwealth have arrived in Fremantle, Australia for the Commonwealth Youth Forum 2011.

The delegates were welcomed to Fremantle with a community engagement event hosted by the City of Fremantle, Kings Square Sounds. At the event, delegates met Fremantle young people and discussed local issues while taking in live music from Jake and the Cowboys, Rainy Day Women, and Spoonful of Sugar.

“What a great way to kick off CYF and welcome everyone to Fremantle,” said Lachlan Cooke, a CYF Planning Group member from Perth.

In the evening, delegates got a taste of Australian wildlife by getting up close and personal with baby koalas and joeys at a welcome barbeque with the Member for Fremantle, Melissa Parke.

Chair of the CYF Planning Group, Alan Huynh also addressed delegates at the welcome barbeque.

“As delegates representing more than 50 countries, you have come together at the 8th Commonwealth Youth Forum,” Alan said.

“After the next 4 days of discussions, skills workshops, learning journeys and inspiring speakers, we hope you become globally aware, active young citizens equipped with skills and knowledge to act for and inspire change amongst the 1.2 billion youth in the Commonwealth.”

This first day allowed delegates to meet each other before official proceedings begin on Monday.

The Prime Minister Julia Gillard will officially open CYF at 9.30am, 24 October.

CYF Planning Group member Alan Huynh addreses delegates

CYF Delegates meeting at the welcome barbeque

CYF Planning Group members with a koala