The Shire of Meekatharra’s Youth Services – which provides dynamic programs for young people aged 8 to 18 in the State’s Mid-West – has been named the winner of this year’s prestigious Making a Difference Award.
The McGowan Government-sponsored award – part of Awards Australia’s Community Achievement Awards – is Western Australia’s most publicly recognised regional awards program, acknowledging local shires, councils, and local governments driving positive outcomes in regional communities.
The Shire of Meekatharra has operated the local youth centre since 1988, and has seen thousands of young people pass through its doors for a variety of programs, including a drop-in service. The Shire was praised for its collaborative approach developing and implementing outstanding services for young people in a community which has faced tough challenges.
It works with organisations – including Yulella Aboriginal Corporation – to provide support to the social development of local Aboriginal young people.
The Shire’s Youth Services also provides vital mental health coordination services, with Mission Australia and no-cost mental health services in partnership with Youth Focus.
Also nominated for this year’s Making a Difference Award, at a ceremony in Perth, were:
- Mandurah Surf Lifesaving Club – Starfish Nippers; a lifesaving skills program for children and young adults with disability, aged 6 years and up. The program is run entirely by volunteers.
- The Shire of Murray – Western Australian Food Innovation Precinct; a partnership with Peel Development Commission and the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure.
- Kathy Brooking – Shire of Coolgardie; Ms Brooking has developed programs, including the Kambalda Youth Development, Kambalda Community Sports Program, and Kambalda Gym and Junior Gym.
For more information on the Community Achievement Awards, visit
As stated by Local Government Minister John Carey:
“The Making a Difference Award is a well-established acknowledgment of the fantastic work that takes place by regional local governments to benefit their communities.
“There are a number of local governments across Western Australia who are doing great things in empowering and engaging their local communities, and this is an example of that.
“All the nominees recognised by this award are providing outstanding services, which are often volunteer-led.
“I congratulate the Shire of Meekatharra Youth Services for its fantastic work with young people over a number of years.
“This service would have had a lasting effect on generations of young people and their families in the Mid-West region.”
