THE Youth Booth in Glen Innes has been named a finalist in the 2025 Local Government Week Awards for delivering one of the most outstanding Youth Week programs in New South Wales.
The recognition follows the success of this year’s Youth Week celebrations, which brought together young people from across the Glen Innes Severn to take part in a mix of social events, cultural experiences and opportunities for connection and leadership.
Events were held across the region, encouraging broad participation and welcoming spaces for young people to come together and feel part of their community.
The Youth Booth, alongside local youth, was central to planning and delivering the program. Together, they designed a series of events including a gaming night, movie night, inflatable fun day and a guided cultural walk at The Willows.
The successful program earned The Youth Booth a nomination for Best Small Council with the Most Outstanding Youth Week Program.
Acting Glen Innes Severn mayor Carol Sparks said the finalist nomination was a proud milestone, both for the community and staff who have helped shape The Youth Booth since its beginning.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see The Youth Booth receive this recognition,” Cr Sparks said.
“As someone who was involved in helping establish the service, it’s been wonderful to watch it grow into a vital space where young people from our rural community can connect and support each other.
“This nomination recognises the hard work of The Youth Booth team and their commitment to creating programs that matter to our young people. It is a well-deserved acknowledgment of their efforts,” she said.
Youth Week 2025 was supported through funding from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and Glen Innes Severn Council.
Beyond delivering engaging events, the program provided young people with valuable leadership experience, skill development and strengthened community connections.
Winners will be announced in August at the Local Government Awards, organised and managed by Local Government NSW and held in Sydney as part of Local Government Week 2025.
