Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Leanne Rawlings as the Shire's new Youth Officer, a dedicated role focused on strengthening youth engagement, wellbeing and participation across the Parkes Shire.
Ms Rawlings has been appointed to the new part-time position for an initial three-year term and will lead initiatives that support young people and help ensure they have access to a broad range of programs, activities and pathways across the Shire.
The role has been created to provide a coordinated and flexible approach to supporting young people while building on the valuable work already being delivered by local youth service providers, schools and community organisations.
A recent resident satisfaction survey identified increased youth services and support as the community's highest service priority.
With the support of Northparkes Operations, who are funding the role, Council is excited to address this priority head-on and invest in initiatives that support young people across the region.
Northparkes Operations General Manager, Thomas Lethbridge said he is pleased to see this role move from an idea to reality.
"We're proud to partner with Parkes Shire Council on this initiative and look forward to seeing the Youth Officer build strong connections across the community and help turn young people's ideas into opportunities."
The three-year partnership represents an important investment in the future of the Parkes Shire, with a strong focus on empowering young people and encouraging their involvement in community life.
In the role, Leanne will engage with young people, schools, community organisations, sporting clubs and service providers to identify local needs, strengthen partnerships and support leadership development, social connection and participation.
Rather than duplicating existing services, Leanne will focus on connecting young people with current programs, developing new initiatives where gaps exist, and fostering collaboration across the Shire to ensure young people have access to a broad range of opportunities.
Leanne Rawlings said she is passionate about supporting young people and strengthening youth engagement across the Parkes Shire.
"Working with young people and creating a safe, inclusive community for our next generation has always been a lifelong passion of mine. Stepping into the Youth Officer Role means everything to me, and I am genuinely excited for the opportunity to bring young people from all backgrounds together as one," Ms Rawlings said.
"I look forward to strengthening our youth community engagement and ensuring their voices are truly heard and brought to life across the Parkes Shire."
Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott welcomed Leanne's appointment, saying the new position reflects Council's commitment to investing in the next generation.
"This is an exciting step forward for Parkes Shire and our young people. We know that investing in youth today creates stronger, more connected communities for tomorrow," Mayor Westcott said.
"The Youth Officer will help create opportunities for young people to be heard, develop new skills, build connections and participate in activities that support their wellbeing and future aspirations."
Cultural, Education & Library Services Manager Kerryn Jones, who oversees the Youth Officer position, said the role provides an important opportunity to unite existing services while creating new pathways for young people.
"This new role will support youth-focused programs and events, coordinate activities through Council facilities and community venues, establish partnerships across the region and deliver outreach initiatives to smaller communities throughout the Shire," Cultural, Education & Library Services Manager Kerryn Jones said.
