WALGETT SHIRE YOUTH WEEK 2023: TOP 5 NSW FINALISTS
Published on 31 August 2023
Walgett Shire Council is very pleased to report they were named among the top 5 finalists in two categories for the NSW Local Government Week 2023 awards. These recognitions were the result of the remarkable success of our Youth Week program delivered throughout the Shire earlier in the year. The categories in which we were recognised included Best Small Council with Most Outstanding Youth Week Program and Most Inclusive Youth Week Program.
Celebrated nationwide, Youth Week stands as Australia's largest festivity dedicated to the young population and was observed within our region from April 10th to April 29th, 2023. In a collaborative effort involving our Youth Council and Youth Development team, Walgett Shire Council partnered with 30 other service providers spread across the Shire. Together, we orchestrated three weeks of empowering activities that were not only engaging and fun but also upheld the highest standards in commemoration of National Youth Week.
The commencement of Youth Week was marked by three remarkable "Youth Spectacular" events held in Walgett, Lightning Ridge, and Collarenebri. These events were full of fun and creativity, offering activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, hip hop and mime performances, swimming, various competitions, live music and cultural exchange initiatives with our friends from the Sydney Korean JITA team.
Taking centre stage at these events were the members of our youth group. Their active involvement in the planning and execution of these activities showcased their skills and exceptional leadership qualities.
The second week was dedicated to assisting in painting a mural on the wall of ‘Wong’s Take Away Food Shop.’ The goal was to give young people an opportunity to develop a sense of ownership, community, and achievement.
Achieving a top 5 placement in the State this year is truly remarkable, given the effort required to maintain a leading position. This accomplishment gains even more significance when considering Walgett Shire has won several categories of these prestigious awards for the past 15 successive years.
Local Government Week Award Winners 2023:
Most Innovative Youth Week Program: Fairfield City Council
Most Inclusive Youth Week Program: Inner West Council
Best Local Youth Week Program: Camden Council
Best Small Council with Most Outstanding Youth Week Program: Gunnedah Shire Council
Walgett Shire Council's Youth Development Officer, Sandra Bladen said “It is tremendous and a great outcome for our Council and all the young people involved. The support for Walgett Shire Youth Week’s 2023 program has sustained from way back in 2006 when the Shire was announced for the first time as a finalist.”
Throughout the years, Walgett Shire Council has missed out on claiming the winner's trophy only on two occasions. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the numerous local, regional, and state organisations that consistently provide their support and collaborate with our Shire and its youth. Rest assured, we are committed to growing even bigger and better next year!
For further information please contact:
Sandra Bladen on 0437273706 or sbalden@walgett.nsw.gov.au
George McCormick on 0439024902 or gmccormick@walgett.nsw.gov.au