(L-R) Minister for Local Government, The Hon Paul Toole MP, Patrick Keough (YERG), Dave Ramas (CCC), Sebastian Houbert (CYN), 

Michele Mullineaux (CCC), Campbelltown Mayor, Cr Paul Hawker

Campbelltown City’s Youth Week program has taken out top honours at the 2016 Local Government Week Awards, receiving the Youth Week Award for the best local program.

Each year, the Minister responsible for youth affairs, in conjunction with the Department of Family and Community Services and Local Government NSW, present awards acknowledging the role played by local councils in helping young people to plan and coordinate Youth Week programs and activities.

Council’s 2016 Youth Week program was awarded joint winner of the Best Local Youth Week Program category with Cessnock City Council, in recognition of the level of youth participation in the planning and attendance of Youth Week activities, the capacity provided by Youth Week activities for young people to showcase their skills and talents and raise issues of concern to them, and activities which highlight the positive contribution young people make to the community.

Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Paul Hawker, said the award was reflective of Council’s commitment to providing a range of activities and opportunities for local young people, both during Youth Week and throughout the year.

“Council's youth development programs, including our annual Youth Week initiatives, offer free or low cost options for local young people to enjoy safe, healthy activities in their local area.”

“They also provide opportunities for local young people to develop leadership skills, be exposed to the music and events industries, and gain knowledge and skills in technical/operational support, event management and marketing roles,” Cr Hawker said.

“I congratulate those involved in this year’s Youth Week program on this significant acknowledgement of their efforts and commitment, and I encourage other local young people to get involved and share their ideas for future programs, events and initiatives in Campbelltown City by joining our Youth Entertainment Reference Group or the Campbelltown Youth Network,” Cr Hawker added.

Volunteers involved in Council’s Youth Entertainment Reference Group (YERG) and the Campbelltown Youth Network (CYN) actively assist in the development, facilitation and evaluation of local youth activities, youth forums and all ages music events throughout the year. For more information on how to be involved, contact Council's Youth Project Officer on 4645 4816 or email youth@campbelltown.nsw.gov.au

To keep up-to-date with local youth initiatives, follow facebook.com/ctownyouth or visit Council’s website.