Walgett Shire Wins Youth Week Award 2025
Published on 11 August 2025
Walgett Shire Council has been awarded ‘Best Small Council with the Most Outstanding Youth Week Program’ at the 2025 Local Government Youth Week Awards held on 7 August 2025.
The award recognises Council’s commitment to celebrating and empowering young people across the Shire, delivering an inclusive, youth-led and culturally rich program that engaged more than 2,500 participants across Walgett, Collarenebri and Lightning Ridge.
This marks the second consecutive year Walgett has been recognised at a state level, having also won Best Local Youth Week Program in 2024.
The 2025 Youth Week theme was about “celebrating every young person’s unique strengths and recognising their power as future leaders and decision-makers” was brought to life through a dynamic program co-designed by local youth, with support from Council’s Youth Week Committee, schools, Elders, volunteers and service providers.
Program highlights included:
- Cultural dance performances
- Art workshops
- Live music
- Sporting competitions
- Youth-led emceeing and public speaking opportunities
A standout feature of this year’s program was the visit from JITA, a 60-member Korean youth team from Sydney. The group delivered workshops and performances across the Shire, showcasing martial arts, traditional Korean fan dance, drama, hip hop and rap. Their presence brought a unique cultural energy and strengthened cross community engagement.
Acting Manager of Community Services Sandra Bladen said the award is a reflection of the creativity, initiative and leadership shown by young people throughout the region.
“Our Youth Week was more than just a week of events – it was a showcase of what young people can achieve when they are given the platform and support to shine.”
“As a small Council with limited resources but strong community connections, we delivered a Youth Week program that was inclusive, youth-led and truly reflective of the strengths of our local young people,” Ms Bladen said.
A dedicated Youth Planning Group worked alongside Council staff to design, promote and deliver the program taking on roles in event logistics, emceeing and evaluation. This hands-on approach gave young people real responsibility, helping build skills in leadership, teamwork and communication.
Cultural expression was a core focus, with performances and creative activities reflecting local identity and fostering a sense of pride and belonging. Council also ensured equitable access across the Shire, overcoming challenges such as distance, limited funding and transport constraints by partnering with local organisations to share resources and support.
“Our program reflected the heart of what Youth Week is about – giving young people a voice, showcasing their talents and building stronger, more connected communities,” Ms Bladen said.
“For a small council, the outcomes were powerful and lasting. Our young people were heard, respected and celebrated. That’s why we are so proud of this recognition.”
Mayor Jasen Ramien congratulated the entire team behind Youth Week, saying he was proud but not surprised by the win.
“This award shows what can happen when we all work together from our incredible staff to local services, volunteers and the young people themselves,” Mayor Ramien said.
“It was a real team effort and everyone should be proud. This recognition belongs to the whole Shire.”
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Media Contact
Sherisse Fensom
Manager Communications and Corporate Reporting
sfensom@walgett.nsw.gov.au
02 6828 6116
0447 572 956