MEDIA RELEASE - LET'S (HOPEFULLY) GET BADD IN HILLSTON

The ideas are flowing quick and fast as Hillston young people finalise their thoughts for some great projects to be held in town later in 2021. So far, there have been two brainstorming sessions held by Carrathool Shire Council staff over the past fortnight at the Exies Club.

Hot favourite in the running as the selected event, goes by the name of BADD. This funky buzz name translates as a BUSH DASH AND DANCE.

The Bush Dash is essentially a Farmer’s Challenge where the young wannabe champions of the district have to complete a number of farm-related tasks such as knocking a fence post in, rolling a hay bale, tying a swag, lugging a bag of wheat 100m, downing a hot tallie and chowing down on two cold pies. And of course, the best time wins.

The Bush Dance is just as energetic, but it’s done at night with a live bush band for music, some bootscooters and maybe even some fancy line dancing.

All this madness is the core activity for a funding application by Carrathool Shire Council to the NSW Govt’s Youth Opportunities Program. The Youth Opportunities program provides one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to local councils for youth-led and youth-driven community projects. The program’s targeted age range is 12-25 years.

“Council is pleased to be working with local youth representatives to put together a funding application for BADD,” Carrathool Shire Council’s General Manager Rick Warren said today.

“The focus of the program is to have a project in our Shire which demonstrates positive youth development and outcomes. Council’s Economic Development Unit is working closely with the young community members to pull together something worthwhile.”

Mr Warren went on to emphasise that a major difference in the Youth Opportunities Program is that all projects which are successful will be driven and managed by the young people themselves. This will include all aspects of the project such as final project design, setting and managing the budget, marketing, ticketing, security and catering.

“Of course, our Economic Development Unit will always be available in a mentoring role where needed, but essentially, this will be a community project led and managed by our young persons.”

“The age-range for projects funded under the Youth Opportunities Program is 12-25, and Council is keen to hear of any other projects which may be more suitable for our younger members in the 12-17 age group.”

Applications for Youth Opportunities Program funding closes on 28 September, 2020. For further information, please contact Council’s Economic Development Unit on 6965 1900.

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