Albany Youth Advisory Council recognised as Young Legends at WA Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards

A big week for the Albany Youth Advisory Council was capped off on Friday when it was awarded the Young Legends Award at the WA Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards. The award was recognition for the group’s Heywire Project, which saw it work with communities and organisations to create five videos that explore some of Albany’s natural environment at risk of becoming a victim of climate change. In 2020, the YAC received a $9000-plus Heywire Grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to “promote grassroots environmental activities through the delivery and filming of five hands-on environmental workshops”. The videos focused on ringtail possums, culture and country, storytelling, littering and wildflowers vs weeds. YAC chairperson Kore Ford said members were passionate about ensuring the environment was going to be there for generations to come. “Turning this passion into products like the Heywire videos that draw attention to some of the many factors within environmental sustainability is one thing. Being recognised for it is another,” they said. “It really gives us the confidence to continue to work in this space and the reassurance that we are doing something positive for Albany.” Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the Youth Advisory Council created a product that took audiences on a journey unique to Albany. “The group worked tirelessly on this project where their passion, commitment and belief in environmental sustainability is shown in the final product,” he said. “Recognition of their work through the Tidy Town Young Legends award is thrilling for the group and an absolute win for Albany. The whole City can be very proud of our young people.” The award was handed out during a ceremony in Perth where Gascoyne Junction claimed the State’s top tidy town honour. Earlier in the week, the YAC had another triumph when its efforts to develop an inclusivity logo for the City were endorsed by Albany Council and formally adopted for use on buildings, documents and at events.