STAFF and participants from Thamurrurr Youth Indigenous Corporation attended the Koorie Youth Careers Expo on February 17 with a stall to demonstrate the work of the corporation.

Simone Dole, who manages the corporation's training program at Dumu Cafe in Bright, said the event was a chance for the program participants to be exposed to the local region, see potential career opportunities and connect with local services.

"It's great to get them out of the cafe, doing things locally and connecting with local community – that's what we love to do," she said.

The expo at Wangaratta's King George Gardens was formed as an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and families to be aware of the support groups and services available to them, and the career and education opportunities within the region.

The gardens were also filled with activities, free giveaways and food and drink stalls throughout the three hour long expo hosted by the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA).

VACCA senior youth worker Kiley Walkerden said since the pandemic there has been an increase in support services in the area which many families may not have heard about.

"We wanted to not only have it for youth, but families as well; there are apprenticeships and traineeships available for adults as well," she said.

"What I've heard back from a few of the support services is they've had a few young people sign up and they will touch base with them which was good to hear."

Attendees ranging from Wodonga and Benalla visited the King George Gardens, where Defence Force Recruiting supplied buses for youth and families to have the opportunity to experience the expo.

Ms Walkerden said organisations will have the chance to give feedback on the event in the hopes VACCA can build on the expo and deliver a similar experience rotating from Wangaratta, Benalla and Wodonga each year.