Leeton Shire Council has endorsed the final Community Development Action Plans for the villages Yanco and Whitton, marking the completion of an extensive community engagement process that started in March 2025.
The plans were developed with the support of community development specialist Peter Kenyon and Rural Aid Pty Ltd, who together helped capture the aspirations and priorities of both villages for the present and into the future.
In Yanco, more than 75 people participated through individual stakeholder meetings and a well-attended community workshop, with additional input gathered from Yanco Public School and Yanco Agricultural High School students. In Whitton, more than 60 people contributed via workshops and meetings, alongside creative sessions with students at Whitton-Murrami Public School.
Rural Aid has also generously committed $10,000 in seed funding to both Yanco and Whitton, giving each community a head start in delivering a priority project identified in their respective plans, such as improving the respective streetscapes.
Mayor Cr George Weston praised the process, stating, "These plans reflect the heart and vision of our Yanco and Whitton communities. Council extends its gratitude to the many residents who gave their time and ideas, the dedicated Town Improvement Committees (with special thanks to Tracey Hamilton, Tessa Hamilton, Tracy Catlin, Lorraine Kefford and Margaret Strong) who guided the drafts, Peter Kenyon for his inspirational facilitation, and Rural Aid for both their partnership and funding support. This collaboration has set Yanco and Whitton on a strong path for the future."
Yanco Town Improvement Committee chair Tracey Hamilton said, "The Yanco plan is truly community-driven, capturing the ideas and energy of our residents young and old. It provides a clear direction for us to work together to strengthen our town and create opportunities for the future."
Whitton Town Improvement Committee member Tracy Catlin added, "Whitton has a proud history and a strong sense of identity. This plan gives us a practical roadmap for building on that strength, and we are excited to see the first projects come to life with the support of Council and Rural Aid."
Council will continue working with the Yanco and Whitton Town Improvement Committees, with quarterly reviews of each action plan ensuring momentum is maintained.
