Published on Monday, 11 December 2017 at 12:00:00 AM
Media Release - Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA
8 December 2017
‘GOOMA SQUAD’ MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY
The Shire of Goomalling has excelled in the 2017 Western Australia’s seventh annual Local Government Children’s Environment and Health Policy Awards winning the Young People Making a Difference in Communities category.
The Children’s Environment and Health Policy Awards are presented annually by the Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA, showcasing local government’s progress in creating environments that protect and support the health of children.
The Bike Rescue program [more about the program] received top honours in the Young People Making a Difference in Communities category. The program, which gave young people the opportunity to restore an old bike, is an outstanding, inclusive example of giving people ownership and pride with the bicycle a reward for their hard work and dedication.
The Council also developed the ‘Gooma Squad’ a collective of young people to consult and assist to engage young people in planning for a youth friendly community, including the Goomalling Youth Zone with Friday night activities to provide a safe relaxing environment.
Dr Melissa Stoneham, Director of The Public Health Advocacy Institute said, “Local councils are important; as the name suggests – they are local. They care about local communities and people. Children are an important part of any community, and they are our future. We are so excited to be acknowledging the Councils in WA who have developed policies and provide programs, services and information that are relevant and valued by children and young people.”
The Awards, an initiative of the Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA with support from Healthway, the WA Local Government Association (WALGA), the Commissioner for Children and Young People WA (CCYP) and The Cancer Council WA were presented by the Vice President of WALGA Mayor Tracey Roberts and Commissioner for Children and Young People Colin Pettit.
25 Local Governments showcased innovative projects, programs and policies across 14 categories prioritising the health and wellbeing of children. Categories included Environments Promoting Physical Activity, Road and Active Transport Safety, Early Literacy and Climate Change.
Image: Mayor Tracey Roberts presenting the award to Cr Julie Chester for Young People Making a Difference in Communities
-ENDS-
For further information contact:
Dr Melissa Stoneham – 0421 113 580 Ros Natalotto – 0412010304
Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA
More images are available on request.
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