Published on Friday, 12 September 2025 at 11:51:37 AM
The Town of Port Hedland is proud to announce that it has been awarded the 2025 LG Professionals WA, Community Development Innovative Partnership Regional Award for its Hedland Night Lights program.
Presented at the Local Government Professionals WA Conference, the award recognises the Town’s innovative approach to community engagement and partnership development in delivering the Night Lights Program.
The award celebrates how local government can effectively work with community organisations to create meaningful outcomes - a model the Town remains fully committed to.
This groundbreaking, youth-led, community driven initiative has engaged over 25,000 attendees since 2022, offering inclusive activities such as Freestyle Footy, SLAM basketball, Deadly Cricket and Aqua Days.
Developed in response to youth disengagement and limited recreational opportunities, the program now runs five nights a week in partnership with 16 local organisations, creating safe spaces for recreation, leadership, and employment.
Alison Banks, Director Community Services at the Town said the award is a testament to the power of collective impact.
“Hedland Night Lights is a movement shaped by young people, supported by community, and driven by a shared vision for equity and opportunity”.
“This award belongs to every young person who showed up, every partner who collaborated, and every community member who believed in the shared vision.” Alison said.
Governed by the Hedland Youth Stakeholder Action Group (HYSAG) and Youth Advisory Council, the program ensures youth voices guide every stage of planning and delivery. Through support from Talent Pool, young leaders have transitioned into mentors and secured employment with key partners.
Key stats of the program:
- Engaged over 25,000 attendees
- Facilitated over 870 stakeholder collaborations
- 70% reduction in anti-social behaviour at Town facilities since 2022
- Significant increase in youth participation in local sporting associations
- Tangible employment outcomes for our Hedland young people
The program is made possible by key stakeholders: Town of Port Hedland, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Hedland Youth Stakeholder Action Group, Youth Advisory Council, Talent Pool, Royal Life Saving WA, Fair Game, West Coast Eagles, Youth Involvement Council, Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation, Hedland Swans, WA Cricket, Hedland Water Polo Association, Hedland Volleyball Association and All Hedland Basketball.
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Pictured L-R: Sam Kempton - Chairperson, Local Government Professionals WA (Community Development Network WA), Anna Savill - Manager of Youth and Community Development, Selene Bennett - Senior Youth Officer and Hon Hannah Beazley, Minister for Local Government.
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