Youth project to pilot in the Shire of Manjimup
MEDIA RELEASE - Youth project to pilot in the Shire of Manjimup
April 2015
The Shire of Manjimup has been selected by the Department of Local Government and Communities as one of four local government areas to pilot the 'Regional Youth Collaborative Project'. The Shire will utilise the $25,000 allocated under this project to collaborate with youth in the design and creation of a sculptured outdoor lounge room, to be located at the Manjimup Regional AquaCentre outdoor area.
Through four schools and three youth zones, youth from across the Shire will work with two renowned local artists - Lewis Horne and Rod Laws - to create the outdoor area. It will feature two large lounges, an ottoman and two sets of concrete table and chairs, which will be finished in urban art and mosaic.
The process will see youth learning and developing skills such as working as a team, designing, developing plans, working with limited materials and transferring decorative designs onto the sculpture.
"Youth will be involved in the project from the design phase, right through until the furniture is placed. It's a great way for them to meet other people their age from across the Shire, and immerse themselves in a project that they can take ownership of, to create a space they can connect to," said Shire President Wade DeCampo. "We want to bring out the best in our youth, engage them in community life and foster a sense of community belonging."
Cr DeCampo explained that the once popular outdoor area is currently underutilised as with an indoor facility, people tend to remain inside. "The aim is to make the outdoor area more attractive and appealing so that people spend time there, particularly our youth," said Cr DeCampo.
"Youth are an important demographic, not just in our Shire, but across WA. It is reassuring that the State Government recognises this and is implementing programs to assist Local Governments to engage youth in projects that will have lasting effects on the community," said Shire President Wade DeCampo.
It is anticipated that this project will commence during term three of 2015.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.
Contact: 0427 094 081
