The council’s annual Youth Week Program was nominated in the Youth Week Local Government awards for the fifth year in a row, gaining nominations across three categories in 2016.

The Dubbo Youth Week program jointly won the award for ‘Best On-Going Commitment to local Youth Week Program’ alongside Walgett Shire Council.

Western Plains Regional Council youth development officer Jason Yelverton said he was absolutely thrilled with the win.

“We were really proud of the 2016 Youth Week Program, and to be nominated in three categories, and to take home an award, was the icing on the cake,” Mr Yelverton said.

The program was also nominated for Best Local Youth Week Program in 2016 and NSW Health Play Safe Sexual Health Project Award 2016.

“I was so proud to let all my Youth Week partner organisations know that we were announced winners of the ‘Council with the best on-going commitment to local youth week programs,’” Mr Yelverton said.

“This award is something that everyone involved can be very proud of as it is evidence of the partnerships, commitment and resource sharing that occurs in the youth sector in the Dubbo community.

“I tip my hat to all our partners for your ongoing support of the young people in our community and for how easy you all are to work with to put this event on each year.”

Walgett Shire Council dominated the awards, also taking out the gong for ‘Best Small Council with the most outstanding Youth Week program in 2016’ and jointly winning the NSW Health Play Safe Sexual Health Project Award with the Former City of Canterbury.

Maitland City Council took the gong for ‘Most Innovative Youth Week Program in 2016’, while the award for ‘Best Local Youth Week Program in 2016’ was given to both Campbelltown City Council and Cessnock City Council.

Coonamble Shire Council won the ‘RH Dougherty Award – Reporting to your Community’ for populations under 30,000.