Historically, the former Greater Taree City Council was a finalist in the same category in 2015.

The activities of each council are assessed by a panel and finalists determined in the following categories, best ongoing commitment to local Youth Week programs, most innovative program, best small council with the most outstanding program and best local Youth Week program.

“It’s rewarding to be nominated for 'best Youth Week program’, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this week a success,” Russell Ingram, MidCoast Council’s community strengthening officer – youth said.

The winners will be announced at the Local Government Awards at Doltone House in Sydney on Thursday, August 3. Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton will be attending the event, along with a number of other special guests.

Youth Week began as a NSW Government initiative in 1989 and has since grown to be a celebration of young people in every state and territory across the country. Following the success of the NSW Youth Week program, Youth Week became a national event in 2000.

Each year, Family and Community Services jointly fund Youth Week activities which from from March 31 to April 9.

It was estimated that more than 1300 young people participated in the activities in the MidCoast area which included, Live n Loud, King of the Krater, Urban Art Workshop and a variety of lunch time activities in local schools. Additionally, a successful online campaign was run on the Manning Youth Facebook page that highlighted the stories of five young people.

“The Youth Week program was fantastic and provided the opportunity for young people to share ideas, attend live events, showcase their talents and celebrate their contribution to the community,” Russell said. 

“It was great to work with local young people, schools and organisations to put together activities and events to celebrate Youth Week.” 

“The positive outcome of Youth Week was due to MidCoast Council’s involvement and local partnerships with Homebase who implemented the King of the Krater, TIDE who were instrumental in running the urban art workshop, MYAT who ran Live n Loud and the six local high schools who took responsibility to plan and run their activities,” Russell said.