Recognition for Inverleigh youth hub

A RECREATION space in Inverleigh has earned the Golden Plains Shire Council an award.

The council was recently recognised at the LGPro Awards for Excellence when the Inverleigh Active Youth Space won the Outstanding Small Rural Council Initiative.

The space features a pump track, enhanced landscaping, multi-use recreation areas, basketball facilities and skate elements.

It was a community-driven initiative that had transformed the Yerram Yaluk Bun Play Space into a dynamic area for active recreation.

The Inverleigh Active Youth Space was developed in response to community feedback and youth engagement.

At a cost of $2.3m, the project was funded from $25,000 from the Inverleigh Progress Association, $150,000 from the council, $700,000 from the federal government and $1.48m from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said this award reinforced the council’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that responded to community needs.

“This award is a testament to what can be achieved when council and community work together with a shared purpose,” Cr Sharkey said.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the passion and input of the Inverleigh community, who helped shape the vision and advocate for this important project.

“I would also like to acknowledge council’s recreation and community infrastructure team for their dedication and hard work in bringing this space to life.

“As we continue our advocacy in the lead-up to this year’s state election, achievements like the Inverleigh Active Youth Space remind us why this work matters.”

The LGPro Awards for Excellence celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams across local government in Victoria, recognising community impact, innovation and leadership.