There were more than 220 applications from councils across Australia for the awards which recognise, reward and promote the innovative work of local governments by showcasing local solutions to common problems.

The Youth Engagement Category recognises those councils which help young people actively participate in their community.

Walgett Shire Council’s Youth Engagement Strategy provides opportunities and pathways for young people at many levels.

“Our aim is to provide opportunities focussed on diversion, participation and engagement. This means that our young people can connect with the council’s services whether they are just looking for entertainment or to become more fully involved in their community,” Youth Development Officer George McCormick said.

Mr McCormick said the strategy had been very successful since its implementation.

“We’ve had people who started off in our Youth Council go on to become leaders at school and achieve great things in our community,” he said.

“Ultimately our aim is to support young people to reach their full potential, develop their leadership skills and assist them to engage with their community as informed and valued citizens.”

Mr McCormick described the award as a “tremendous outcome” and expressed his pleasure at seeing rural and remote shires such as ours being recognised for all the work they do.

Mayor Ian Woodcock agreed.

“This is great recognition of the committed work of our Youth and Community Development teams. We are connecting with young people across the shire in meaningful ways and I am pleased that our staff have received this recognition,” he said.

Meanwhile the nearby Brewarrina Shire Council took home the honours for the Rural and Remote Health Category.

Its hugely successful dental service, which is a collaboration between the Brewarrina Shire, the Greater Western Area Health Service, Griffith Univeristy and Ochre Health, was established after efforts to secure a dentist in the region failed.

Final year dental students now staff the Brewarrina Dental Service for 21 weeks per year as part of their studies.

Economic Development Officer Belinda Colless said the judges were blown away by the council’s vision and ability to look outside the box, forming interstate partnerships and local amalgamations for the region’s benefit.