Young citizens of Armidale were recognised last Wednesday at a ceremony during Youth Week hosted by Armidale Dumaresq Councils’ Youth Council.
Mayor Peter Ducat, Deputy Mayor Jim Maher, General Manager Shane Burns along with Armidale Dumaresq Councillors were in attendance to honour Armidale’s young achievers.
Youth Week for 2012 was a flurry of activity including a BBQ and give away at the skate park hosted by Pathfinders, EACH Armidale ran a mental health awareness bike tyre changing competition and held a healthy eating open day, New England Local Area Command had an open day at the Police Station along with Youth Council’s local logo design competition and a photography competition. Armidale Youth Week concluded on Friday with both a junior and senior Blue Light Disco.
“Youth week is a time to consider and appreciate the youth in our community,” said Sally Schofield Armidale Dumaresq Youth Services coordinator.
“Many young people are doing outstanding things which we should recognise and celebrate. “This was why the youth awards were conceived.”
The Armidale Youth Awards highlight the outstanding achievements of young people in the region. Award recipients may be leaders in their school or have improved their personal circumstance through either engagement with education or employment.
“The youth wards do not have categories, they are about identifying young people that have done something positive and celebrating that,” said Sally Schofield.
“The Armidale Youth Council have been significant contributors to the organisation of youth week.
“Samantha Guest, Calum Agnew, Laura Murry, Oliver Weatley, Atlanta Wessberg, Nicola Watson and Jess Main should be congratulated for their outstanding commitment having met weekly for a number of weeks to undertake this massive organisational feat.“
If young people are interested in participating in the Youth Council they are currently looking for new members. People can find more information on the council web site or contact Sally Schofield, the Armidale Dumaresq Youth Services co-ordinator, on 6770 3678 or email sschofield@armidale.nsw.gov.au.
