Mayoral forum identifies youth priorities

Bland Shire Mayor Brian Monaghan believes the future is in great hands after meeting with a group of student representatives from West Wyalong High School this week.

As part of Council’s Local Government Week program, Mayor Monaghan and General Manager Ray Smith held a forum this week with an inspired group of 13 High School students from years 7-12 about a range of issues affecting local youth.

Each student embraced the opportunity to present their thoughts and ideas about ways to improve local youth services, facilities and programs and their thoughtfulness and attitude left a lasting impression on both Mayor Monaghan and Mr Smith.

“The Mayor challenged all of the attendees to put forward their ideas for youth related projects in the Bland Shire and later prioritise them,” Mr Smith said.

“It was refreshing to see the group identify and prioritise a number of projects which would benefit others ahead of those which might better suit a particular personal interest.

“They were genuine in their care and compassion for others, to making a difference and contributing positively to the community.”

Some of the programs identified included mental health and support programs for young people doing it tough, life skills programs, a community chest program to provide instant financial relief to those in need of support, a youth drop in centre and more free and all-inclusive events to bring the community together such as the recent Bust the Dust event.

Some of the infrastructure ideas that were well supported included an indoor pool, extensions to the skate park, a drive in cinema, BMX track, fitness track and equipment and extensions to the outdoor court at the West Wyalong Sports Stadium.

The full list of ideas out forward at the forum will be reported back to Bland Shire Councillors for consideration in future funding programs and budget allocations while community services staff have been instructed to investigate each of the activity ideas with a view to incorporating them in Council’s future youth programming.

The West Wyalong High School session followed a similar Mayoral forum at Ungarie Central School in 2018 facilitated by former Bland Shire Mayor Tony Lord.