Published on Thursday, 2 November 2023 at 8:02:20 AM
The youth-led South Hedland Placemaking program has won the Best Regional/Rural Industry Contribution Award at the Parks and Leisure Australia national awards.
The program, which is designed to empower young people to be key decision makers, culminated in the South Hedland road mural, which was an opportunity to express the Hedland community’s connection to country.
Mayor Peter Carter said the award was deserved recognition for the collaborative effort between the Town, RAC and Town Team Movement.
“The program created a sense of ownership and confidence for young people by developing positive development in a civic space,” Mayor Carter said.
“The Town takes great pride in the placemaking project and engaging youth to reach their full potential, so we are rapt the judges recognised the importance of this project.”
Mayor Carter said it was important to recognise the contribution of RAC, which funded the project through its Youth-Let Placemaking Projects Program; the Town Teams Movement which facilitiated workshops and installation; and Blank Walls for supplying artist Honey to help with the street mural.
“Creating a thriving, resilient and inclusive future for our diverse community is about collaboration – and this project was a perfect example of that,” Mayor Carter said.
“Congratulations to everyone involved for your foresight and hard work in bringing this project to life.”
Town Team Movement executive director Jimmy Murphy said: “This project was a world-leading example of how government and industry can work WITH local community people to achieve amazing outcomes that improve connection and livability whilst bringing out local culture in place.
“We were proud to be a part of this program.”
RAC General Manager Community Impact Sharon Rowse said: "RAC was proud to support this innovative project, which encouraged Port Hedland’s young people to plan and deliver creative solutions to improve road safety and build a better-connected town centre.
"RAC congratulates Hedland Follow the Dream, the Town of Port Hedland and Town Team Movement for this outstanding achievement."
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