Mayor’s Youth Week forum delivers future ideas for the Shire

Published on 25 November 2020

Council’s annual Youth Week forum with local students raised current youth issues and ideas in a discussion and workshop with Uralla Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Pearce and Deputy Mayor, Cr Isabel Strutt.

The forum started with the Mayor’s report to the students on issues raised at last year’s forum, including Council’s representation to the Uralla Show Society to increase the Show dates to a two-day event, illegal dumping on Walcha Road, and upgrades to the Uralla Swimming Pool, squash court, and Alma Park skate and BMX track which students agreed was a resounding success.

Mayor Pearce, Deputy Mayor Strutt, General Manager Kate Jessep, and Council senior staff members then participated in a discussion with the students to gain input on youth activities and ideas for future projects to improve the liveability of the Uralla Shire community.

Ideas raised in the discussion included WiFi access for the Uralla CBD, mobile and internet towers across the Shire, and an on-duty/call police service for Bundurra. These topics will be forwarded to the relevant areas seeking support to review and progress possible actions.

Following discussion with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, the students participated in a workshop in which they developed a list of service and business opportunities in the Shire which are currently provided outside the Shire. The results of this workshop will inform Council’s business gap analysis for future economic development planning.

Mayor Pearce said the forum was a great opportunity for Council to engage the Shire’s youth in an ongoing dialogue to listen to their issues, concerns, and ideas for the future.

“The annual Youth Week forum gives Council a chance to hear what’s important to young people, as well as explore opportunities for what Council can do to support their future.”

“It’s important the youth of the Uralla Shire know their voices are being heard, and that their ideas and issues concerning them are just as important as the rest of the community’s.”

“I’m pleased to be a part of this forum every year and to see first-hand young people’s involvement in the community and how they will drive the future of the Uralla Shire,” Mayor Pearce said.

Youth Week is a NSW Government initiative which aims to provide young people the opportunity to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives at a local level, and create and enjoy activities and events. This year’s theme is ‘Speak Up, Be Involved, Get Connected, and Have Fun.’

Youth Week activities are funded by Council with funding matched by a grant provided by the NSW Government Department of Communities & Justice. Council works in partnership with the Uralla Neighbourhood Centre to plan and deliver Youth Week activities.

Mayor Pearce thanked Council staff for the successful funding bid to sponsor Youth Week and commended the collaboration between Council and the Uralla Neighbourhood Centre for organising the annual Youth Week Forum.

Following the forum, participants enjoyed morning tea organised by the Uralla Neighbourhood Centre.

NSW Youth Week 2020, originally scheduled for 1-9 April 2020, was rescheduled for November following the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions. Due to the number of activities scheduled for this year, Youth Week 2020 in the Uralla Shire has transitioned into a month long program of activities.

Other events to be held as part of the Uralla Shire Youth Month include a month-long scavenger hunt, movie nights at the Uralla Library and Uralla Neighbourhood Centre, chocolate bingo, and a sausage sizzle.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Uralla Shire Council
council@uralla.nsw.gov.au | 02 6778 6300