Blackout Wodonga saw about 15 young people and a dozen adults take part in a day of cultural activities and workshops at The Cube Wodonga.

Organised by Wodonga Aboriginal Network and the Koorie Youth Council, the event aimed to hear more about youth priorities.

Aboriginal community development broker Darren Moffitt said he was a little disappointed by the low numbers attending, but this indicated a wider concern.

“I think we’ve got an issue with communication in the community,” he said.

“It’s just about getting word out there; a lot of people rely on word of mouth and sometimes that doesn’t get around in time.

“A lot of the information that gets shared around today is on social media and email so if you’re not on that platform, if they don’t read a notice board or go into an Aboriginal organisation it’s usually through community contact, or a relative or friend that tells them.”

Participant Tahlia Biggs, 19, of Wodonga, felt the day was worthwhile.

“Higher numbers would have been preferable but, you know, you take what you can get and work with that,” she said.

“We’ve definitely got some results, I reckon.

“Talking about getting Aboriginal networks happening, cultural camps, talking about issues like drugs and alcohol and lack of communication for programs and events happening for young people.”

Miss Biggs, who learned of the day through Facebook, said she always enjoyed talking about leadership, especially related to youth.

“That’s right up my alley, that’s where my passion is,” she said. “More of a direction of where we want our community to be going, especially for our youth, finding out what our youth want from our community as well.”

Mr Moffitt said Monday’s event was the first in a series of youth gatherings to be held between now and 2018.

“One of the takeaways for me is to hear that voice so that I can then support the Wodonga Aboriginal Network, identify priorities and come up with some projects and ideas to support the youth,” he said.