Shire of Harvey announced regional winners at Local Government Policy Awards for youth focused health programs

Recognised for their “innovative” methods to engage with youth, the Shire of Harvey has walked away as the regional winners at the 2021 Local Government Policy Awards. Now in its 11th year the LGPA — hosted by Curtin University based Public Health Advocacy Institute — acknowledges the implementation of strategies and policies that promote and improve public health in the community, particularly for children and youth. The Shire of Harvey took home the award for its newly implemented 2021 to 26 Youth Strategy and for using “innovative” methods to engage with children and youth throughout the shire. The shire’s youth strategy includes five main “priority projects” which include establishing a youth advisory council, an annual youth survey and to create a youth week festival at the Ridley Place Foreshore. Shire of Harvey president Paul Gillett said the young people of the shire play a vital part in the community, now and into the future. “The Harvey Library delivers school book boxes to schools in the Harvey area during school terms,” he said. PHAI Director and Associate Professor Christina Pollard said local governments play an important role in driving positive change in WA communities. “As the grass roots level of government, local governments are often the first point of call for many community members,” she said. “These Awards recognise this and reward them for being proactive and community focused.” The LGPA was held at Kings Park earlier this month and involved 22 local governments with submissions being assessed on policy alignment, consultation, program development, implementation and evaluation.