With its population spread over a considerable area, Gwydir Shire aims to provide as many services as possible for children and families. Youth Services Coordinator, Suzy Webber, said participation in Youth Week, running Youth Leadership camps, festival workshops and Blue Light Discos and are just some of the activities Council offers.
“Council also runs vacation care programs, holiday activities, preschools, a youth centre and toy libraries” she said. “In the 1960s orange trees were planted in Bingara as a memorial to fallen World War II soldiers. As a result, we now hold the annual Bingara Orange Festival, with Orange Picking Day a yearly tradition.”
Gwydir also engages in a country-city student exchange program with Willoughby Council, located in Sydney CBD.
“Each year, up to five students are taken down to Willoughby for their Spring Festival,” Suzy Webber said. “Students from Willoughby also come to Gwydir for a four day visit.”
Gwydir also runs a number of information and educational programs for its youth, such as Safe Celebrating Forums and Save a Mate Programs. The Save a Mate program is delivered across the Shire. It provides young people with first aid training for drug and alcohol related incidents.
Suzy Webber said for the younger kids, the Tharawonga Mobile Preschool provides the opportunity for children living in remote areas to attend preschool.
“The van filled with games and sporting equipment is able to service Boggabilla, North Star, Crooble, Yetman, Yallaroi and Tulloona,” she said.
