Published on Thursday, 23 November 2023 at 2:10:50 PM
The Town of Port Hedland celebrated two wins at the 2023 Planning Institute Australia (PIA) WA Awards last week.
The awards, held on Friday 17 November, recognise outstanding work to plan initiatives, projects, programs and events that promote and enhance leisure time, while also providing social, environmental and economic benefits for the community.
The Town was presented with the Community Wellbeing and Diversity award and the Great Place award, both for its South Hedland Aboriginal Youth Mural project.
The project was co-designed and created with young people and was a collaboration across RAC, Town Team Movement, No More Blank Walls, Polly Farmer Follow the Dream Foundation and the Town of Port Hedland.
The mural project was recognised for the way it engaged youth, supported community pride and could easily be scaled and transferred to other regional communities.
Mayor Peter Carter said it was great to see how the project encouraged young people to participate in community-based projects.
“The Town is committed to working with organisations and the wider community to help young people feel more connected and also provide opportunities to develop and build their leadership skills,” he said.
“Not only did this project provide an opportunity to learn about placemaking, but it also encouraged participants to take ownership of their work and showcase their achievements with the community.”
Hedland students involved in the project said they were inspired to actively participate in community projects.
“The project has definitely inspired me to try new things because personally, I’m not a social person so this project has encouraged me to go out and try new things.” Calyx, Follow the Dream.
“This project has inspired me as it made me get out and do something and make the community come together.” Henry, Follow the Dream
Both projects will now go through to the national award nominations, which will be announced in May 2024 at the National Planning Congress.
Media Enquiries
Town of Port Hedland, Public Affairs Team
Email: media@porthedland.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 9158 9300
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