The City won the Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA’s ‘Children’s Consultation’ category for its innovative work with local students,. The project was a collaboration with the Town Team Movement and received a commendation in the ‘Environments Promoting Physical Activity’ category for the High Wycombe Shared Path Decorative Project at last month’s awards.

Mayor Margaret Thomas said the City had a strong commitment to involving children and youth in the planning and design of community assets to deliver healthy spaces and improved amenity.

“Last year, the City ran two workshops with local students to understand what types of play experiences they would like to see at the new Stirk Park along with capturing ideas for shared path art treatments,” Cr Thomas said.

“It was an amazing process bringing together City staff, Councillors and members from our youth community where we got a 360-view of not only what a diverse group needs and wants today but also into the future.”

David Snyder from Town Team Movement explained that the outcomes were truly developed with the community and the children and youth were incredibly proud of their achievements.

"It was obvious the young people involved left the engagement with a sense of pride and acknowledgement that they were making a positive impact in their community."

Similarly, the City’s High Wycombe Shared Path Decorative Project was recognised for its consultation with local children to inform the planning and final design.

Both projects were praised for aligning with the City’s overarching strategic community objectives to improve health and wellbeing for younger residents, with good support from stakeholders and relevant partners.

“These are just two examples of the many ways the City encourages young people to share their ideas and opinions so they feel connected and can get excited about being involved,” Cr Thomas said.

The 2020 awards were presented by the Minister for Local Government, Heritage, Culture and Arts, Hon David Templeman MLA.

For information on the Stirk Park Playground Upgrade, the High Wycombe Shared Path Decorative Project or for more about the City’s community engagement processes and which initiatives are currently open for comment, visit engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9257 9999.