The 17 winners in 10 categories were judged by independent judging panels and include seven winners from small councils with fewer than 15 000 rateable properties.

Circular Head Council Mayor Quilliam welcomed the announcement that the Council had been judged a category winner in the Youth engagement (small Council) category for the process undertaken to develop the Seven Up Youth Centre in Smithton.

General Manager Greg Winton said "The award recognition vindicates my strong belief that well thought out and executed plans are necessary in the current operating environment."

"During National Youth Week 2009, a youth forum was held in Smithton to identify what the young people of Circular Head value, and what they would like to see happen in their community."

"The issue of having a place for young people to go, a 'Youth Space' is one which was overwhelmingly seen as the top priority for our youth, with bonding between schools also being seen as very important."

"I hear many good ideas in my role, the difference is the ability and preparedness to commit the time and effort required to nurture a concept into an outcome." indicated Mr Winton.

A committee was established with representation from the secondary schools, the Smithton Christian Fellowship, Circular Head Council and Rural Health Tasmania with the aim of opening a youth centre at the venue previously known as 'The Cliff' in second term. The Seven Up Youth Centre's trial period ended on 30 October 2010, and the centre was closed pending approval of funding for a co-ordinator for 2011. Funding has since been approved and a co-ordinator for the Centre was employed in March. The Seven Up Youth Centre remains open on school days. 

The National Awards for Local Government recognise some of the innovative ways that councils are approaching the issues facing local government and encourage councils to continue to work together and share good practice. 152 entries were lodged from 101 councils across the nation.

 

 

Further enquiries may be directed to Yvonne Stone, Community Development Officer, by telephoning (03) 6452 4864.

Authorised for general media distribution by Greg Winton, General Manager, Circular Head Council on Monday 2 May 2011.