Blue Mountains Youth Council has launched a new program to motivate and recognise local businesses taking measures to protect the environment.

Blue Mountains businesses who are doing the right thing, will be recognised for their good intentions and for taking proactive steps to minimise the environmental impact of their business, in the Earth Friendly Advocate program.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “We need to encourage more businesses to take positive action on environmental issues and it’s only fair that those making that extra effort, are publicly acknowledged. It’s also helpful for customers who wish to seek out those places that are taking meaningful steps to save energy and reduce their waste.

“This valuable initiative from our Youth Council will help the whole community to preserve our World Heritage region.”

To ensure these businesses can be recognised by customers, the Blue Mountains Youth Council has helped design a sticker that businesses can proudly showcase on their premises, attracting business and encouraging others to take action.

Council and the Youth Council team have outlined some simple steps to help businesses get started in becoming Earth Friendly Advocates:

• Implement sound waste management practices including waste avoidance, composting, and recycling.
• Expend minimal energy on transport by using locally sourced produce where possible.
• Actively encourage and support customers to bring their own reusable products, including reusable bags, cups and containers.
• Provide take away packaging made from recycled and recyclable materials.
• Use energy saving systems and reduce energy use where possible.
• Use water saving systems and reducing water use where possible.
• Use greywater safe products, and
• Donate surplus food.

The Earth Friendly Advocate recognition program operates on an honesty system. Businesses who apply and showcase the recognition sticker are responsible for making environmental efforts and highlighting these efforts to their customers.

If you think your business has what it takes to be an Earth Friendly Advocate, please fill out the form at yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/earth-friendly-advocate.

Pic caption: A Blue Mountains Youth Council member with the Earth Friendly Advocate sticker.

A short video released this week showcases a Council project helping young people and children reconnect with nature.

The Project Plant It video shows students from Winmalee Public School spending National Tree Day at Springwood’s Deanei Forest Reserve together with Blue Mountains Youth Council members, Council’s Bushcare, Community Development and Environmental Education & Engagement representatives and local Bushcare volunteers.

The Year 2 students learned about the vital role trees play in our lives, health and future. They also learned how to plant and care for native plants, with 233 planted on the day.

Mayor Mark Greenhill said the video is another great example of the magic that happens when people of all ages connect through a shared passion for our local environment.

“I want to thank all the members of our Youth Council, as well as the staff and students of Winmalee Public School and the Council staff involved in this project and film,” Cr Greenhill said.

“The benefits of such simple projects are far reaching, as the film shows – giving young people a voice in their future and appreciation for the past, connecting older and younger children with each other and with their environment, and bringing new energy to existing Bushcare work.”

Teacher Jessica Smith said she enjoyed seeing the smiles on her students’ faces as they engaged in learning in the outdoors.

“We at Winmalee Public School really appreciate being part of your project,” she said.

The idea for Project Plant It came from the Blue Mountains Youth Council, who wanted to make a positive contribution to our local environment.

Youth Council is comprised of selected high school aged young people who meet monthly to develop projects that bring positive change in their communities.

Watch the video here. For more information about the Youth Council and Council’s schools programs visit bmcc.nsw.gov.au.

Project Plant It will continue in 2020. Local primary schools are encouraged to contact Kristy Lenon on 4780 5680 to register their interest.

Youth Council member Adisen Wright, featured in the Project Plant It video.

Blue Mountains City Council recognised three local citizens for their outstanding contribution to the community and welcomed 24 residents as Australian citizens at the 2018 Blue Mountains Local Citizen of the Year Awards and Citizenship Ceremony held at the Blue Mountains Theatre in Springwood today.

The recipients of the 2018 Blue Mountains Local Citizen of the Year Awards are:

Citizen of the Year – Carmel Higgins

Carmel has excelled in providing service to women’s sport, devoting her time to coaching, mentoring, and running netball in the Blue Mountains for almost 50 years.

Young Citizen of the Year – Andrew Gunn

Andrew has given up his time to make sure the Blue Mountains community is a safe, fun and accepting environment for everyone, but particularly for young people. Andrew has been an active and engaged Blue Mountains Youth Councillor since the start of 2016. During his time as a Youth Councillor Andrew has provided great support for the youth congress ‘Project NOW’ which led to Andrew’s involvement in the Youth Summit Radio program.

Community Achievement of the Year – Springwood Foundation Day Committee 2017

The Springwood Foundation Day Festival is a long running community event that celebrates the Springwood’s heritage and showcases what it has become today - the 2017 event was a highly successful day with all funds raised going back into the local community.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said, “On behalf of Blue Mountains City Council and the community, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding local citizens, all deserving recipients of the 2018 Blue Mountains Local Citizen of the Year Award.

It is fitting that their contribution to the Blue Mountains community is acknowledged in the highest regard. They inspire us through their achievements and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better Blue Mountains and a better Australia.

We are lucky to have you as part of the Blue Mountains community and we thank you for all that you do.”

Twenty four Blue Mountains’ residents from eleven countries of origin become Australian citizens at the civic event.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said, “Australia’s evolving way of life draws inspiration from the whole world and our heritage is enriched by contributions from the many cultures that make up our society.

I am proud that the City of Blue Mountains is forever woven into the personal and Australian story of our newest citizens.”

The Mayor was joined by the 2018 Australia Day Ambassador appointed to the Blue Mountains, the Special Olympics Dance Group. The group was formed in 2006 and became Australia Day Ambassadors in 2007.

To date, the group has raised over $1.87 million to help with the growth and development of the Special Olympics Australia, allowing those with an intellectual disability the opportunity to participate in regular weekly sports and dance programs. The Special Olympics Dance Group leader, Mel Eustace, acknowledged the local award recipients for serving as inspirational role models to us all.

Photo: 2018 Local Citizen of the Year Award recipients:

• 2018 Citizen of the Year – Carmel Higgins
• 2018 Young Citizen of the Year – Andrew Gunn
• 2018 Community Achievement of the Year – Springwood Foundation Day Committee 2017 – Committee representative Kim Cowper

Nominations for the Blue Mountains Youth Council are now open!

Blue Mountains City Council listens to the opinions and aspirations of young people in our community. If you are between 12 and 19 years old (turning 20 in 2018), live in the Blue Mountains and want to make a difference, why not join the Blue Mountains Youth Council.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill said, “The Blue Mountains Youth Council offers an excellent opportunity to interact with young people from the Blue Mountains, other schools, to have their say and get a ‘hands on’ experience of democracy, as well as advising Council on youth matters.”

The Blue Mountains Youth Council is a committee of 20 local young people who meet monthly to identify and discuss issues important to them, plan and run events, and advise the Council. Successful applicants remain members for two years when they can reapply, if they wish.

The Youth Council has young people from all kinds of backgrounds, nationalities and ages. Applicants don’t necessarily need any experience, just an interest in what’s happening around them. Nominations are open now until Monday 19 February 2018.

In 2017, the Blue Mountains Youth Council helped maintain young people’s ideas from the ‘Project NOW’ congress which included the ongoing Youth Summit radio show and the Food Forest community garden. They also attended a NSW Youth Council Conference in Ryde and participated in a movie event at Lawson Swim Centre to celebrate the end of school.

Blue Mountains Youth Councillor, Paul Mukhin said, “I joined the Blue Mountains Youth Council in early 2015. We’ve been able to have an input into Council planning that is relevant to young people, and projects that improve the lives of young people in our region.

It’s a great opportunity to broaden your horizons and to develop many skills which will serve you in later life. You can only regret not joining and being a part of the Youth Council.”

To find out more and apply, visit bluemountainshaveyoursay.com.au/youthcouncil, facebook.com/bluemountainsyouthcouncil; or contact Council’s Youth Services Development Officer, Anita Kazis on akazis@bmcc.nsw.gov.au, 4780 5680 or 0431 501 545.

Photo: Calling all young people who want to be heard and ‘do democracy’! Practicing how to pitch on video at the NSW Youth Council’s Conference was one of the Blue Mountains Youth Council’s activities of 2017.

The Blue Mountains Youth Council is celebrating the end-of-school with a pool-party, movie screening of Beauty and the Beast and this year’s Community Christmas ‘Giving Tree’ gift drive.

Young people of the Blue Mountains are invited to relax by the pool, celebrate the end of the school year, meet new people, and donate a gift that will give a hand to their peers on Saturday 16 December at the Lawson Swim Centre for the same price as ordinary pool entry of $4.60.

Blue Mountains Youth Councillor Leah Roscoe-Bynon said, “This year the Youth Council is working with the Blaxland Library for our Community Christmas ‘Giving Tree’ project.

We decided this was a great place that the community often uses in the lower mountains to host the project. It’s exciting to be working with the staff at Blaxland Library, where we’re sure to receive plenty of gifts to pass on to those in need.”

All donations received will go to the Platform Youth Services organisation, who will distribute the gifts to vulnerable young people aged 12-25 in the Blue Mountains, Penrith and Hawkesbury areas.

Gifts can be donated at Blaxland library until Thursday 21 December. Teenager-friendly Christmas gifts include things like iTunes vouchers, headphones, movie ticket vouchers, hair accessories or new clothes.

Youth Councillor Alley Hinley said, “We are glad to be able to add a new angle to this project and have some fun. We hope young people of the Blue Mountains are able to come along to Lawson pool, have some fun, and donate gifts to help lift the spirits of young people doing it tough.”

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill said, “The Youth Council ‘Giving Tree’ is a great project, and brings a bit of joy to those people who are in need or finding it difficult during the holiday season.

It is also great to see a new opportunity for young people to get together and enjoy themselves. I encourage everyone aged 12-25 to get to Lawson Swim Centre and have a great time.”

For further information, please contact Anita Kazis, Council’s Youth Services Development Officer on 4780 5680 or akazis@bmcc.nsw.gov.au. Or visit www.facebook.com/bluemountainsyouthcouncil.

Photo: Blue Mountains Youth Councillors Jack Prowse & Andrew Gunn are ready to party at Lawson on Saturday 16 December.

The July meeting of the Blue Mountains City Council had a temporary change to its leadership with the appointment of Youth Councillor Benjamin McGrory to serve as Assistant Mayor and co-chair of the meeting.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, guided the 18 year old Blue Mountains Youth Councillor in his role to assist with the meeting proceedings.

Benjamin is a returning Youth Councillor, now in the role for his third year. A Katoomba resident and Sydney Distance Education High School student, Benjamin joined the Youth Council to become a voice for young people in society, particularly students coping with mental illness.

In his previous term in the Blue Mountains Youth Council, Benjamin assisted in planning the Project NOW! Youth Congress and has received training in community consultation.

The opportunity to act in the role of Assistant Mayor and co-chair of the meeting is available to Youth Councillors once a year. Benjamin was selected for the role by random ballot at the previous Youth Council meeting.

At the meeting, the Council unanimously resolved to endorse the membership of the 2017 Blue Mountains Youth Council and thank the outgoing Youth Council members for their contribution to our community and welcome the 13 continuing and nine new members of the Youth Council.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said, “We are proud of the Blue Mountains Youth Council. It is an important forum. Promoting young people’s interest in civic life is something we take very seriously.”

The 2017 Blue Mountains Youth Council membership is: Maya Costa, Benjamin McGrory, Brodie Wylde, Aleksandrs (Sasha) Titovs, Paul Mukhin, Maisy Costa, Rohan Grant-Dawes, Shannon Grazotis, Andrew Gunn, Meg Hill, Alexandria Hinley, Sophie Jansons, Jessica Johnson, James Khnouf, Caitlin Marlor, Michael Pankhurst, Jack Prowse, Leah Roscoe-Bynon, Delilah Scott, Adam Tjoelker, Alexandra Whatmuff and Caspar Zauner.

To follow the Blue Mountains Youth Council activities and see photos of the Youth Councillors in action at the Council meeting, visit www.facebook.com/bluemountainsyouthcouncil/

Photo caption: Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, with Blue Mountains Youth Councillor, Benjamin McGrory, who was Assistant Mayor and co-chair at Council’s July 2017 meeting.

Blue Mountains Youth Council delegates recently attended the 2017 NSW Youth Council Conference at Macquarie University to learn and return with new skills focused on the use of technology.

Hosted by the Ryde Youth Council, representatives from over 20 rural and city areas in NSW attended the three day conference, spanning as far north as Armidale, Tumut to the south and Cobar to the west, expressing a varying views on news and issues for young people. The theme Make IT Happen is a platform for how to harness the power of technology to connect and engage all people.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said, “I am pleased that young leaders from our community could benefit from the experience and advice of other young change agents, as well as political leaders and leaders in the technology sector.

Our young people have a lot to offer. I look forward to hearing of new and positive projects from the Blue Mountains Youth Council.”

The Governor of NSW, HE General The Hon. David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) opened the conference. Thirteen young people representing the Blue Mountains at the conference – Maya Costa, Rohan Grant-Dawes, Alexandria Hinley, Sophie Jansons, Caitlin Marlor, Benjamin McGrory, Paul Mukhin, Aleksandrs (Sasha) Titovs, Adam Tjoelker, Brodie Wylde, Caspar Zauner, Kiralee and Leah Roscoe-Bynon.

Youth Councillor, Rohan Grant-Dawes said the Blue Mountains participants were energized by the experience. “I attended the workshop ‘Pitch It!’ It was fun and useful to explore the skills required to successfully pitch a project on video, either to get authority or funding to start a project, or get buy in from peers.”

Blue Mountains Youth Councillors aim to develop a live music event, which will not only entertain and bring together young people, but offer advice and information on important issues such as mental health.

“Young people can sometimes feel isolated, particularly when they worry about being different”, said Rohan. “By offering ways to connect with supportive organisations that teach skills, mental health issues can be managed before they become too serious.”

To see videos and photos from the conference and find out more about the Youth Council, follow them on Facebook by searching ‘Blue Mountains Youth Council’ of visit http://bluemountainshaveyoursay.com.au/youthcouncil .

Photo: Our young people have a lot to offer. Blue Mountains youth Councillors attended the 2017 NSW Youth Council Conference at Macquarie University to learn and return with new skills focused on the use of technology.

Lawson is about to POPP with a new Public Outdoor Ping Pong table in the Lawson Town Centre provided by Blue Mountains City Council, in partnership with the Blue Mountains Youth Council and the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre.

An initiative of the Youth Council, the new outdoor weather-proof table tennis table is a first for the Blue Mountains and is on trial for six months.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said this is a wonderful initiative of the Youth Council. "Outdoor ping pong is fun way to enjoy a shared public space", he said. "It’s free, easy to play and a safe game for people of all ages and abilities to play. I encourage residents and shop owners and staff to make the most of the ping pong table during the six month trial."

Ward 2 Councillors, Brent Hoare, Romola Hollywood and Chris Van der Kley enjoyed a game in the sunshine with Youth Councillors Brodie Wylde, Delilah Scott, Caitlin Marlor and Ben McGrory, and agreed that the outdoor ping pong table is a real hit! The Councillors were pleased to see the outdoor ping pong table bring the Lawson Town Centre to life.

Youth Councillor, Delilah Scott, said the Youth Councillors were excited to see lots of different people playing. "Outdoor ping pong is a simple and fun way to use a shared space", said Delilah. "You can play for as long or as short a time as you want; you don’t have to be good at it, and it gives people something to do.’

The idea of the outdoor ping pong table was inspired by feedback from young people that more opportunities were needed for social recreation that is outdoors and free.

Interested players can currently borrow bats and balls from the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre or use their own. Options to have the bats and balls available from local businesses that are available at flexible hours are being explored to make the outdoor ping pong table more available

Almost two months into the trial period, the outdoor ping pong table has been very popular with locals of all ages. The Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre act as custodian of the bats and balls, and are helping to raise awareness of the outdoor ping pong table within the Lawson community. By all accounts the equipment is getting returned and people are even buying a bat and ball set to keep in the car so they can play at any time.

Council will consider the future of the outdoor ping pong table after the trial period.

Photo: Ward 2 Councillors, Brent Hoare (left), Romola Hollywood (striped top) and Chris Van der Kley (right) enjoyed a game of outdoor ping pong in the sunshine with Youth Councillors Brodie Wylde, Delilah Scott, Caitlin Marlor and Ben McGrory, and Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre Community Development Worker Danielle Wilding-Forbes (red top).

The May meeting of the Blue Mountains City Council had a temporary change to its leadership with the appointment of Youth Councillor Maisy Costa to serve as Assistant Mayor and co-chair of the meeting.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, assisted the 13-year-old Blue Mountains Youth Councillor in her role at the helm of the City for a period of a few hours.

Maisy is a new, incoming Youth Councillor. A Hazelbrook resident and student at Springwood High School, Maisy joined the Youth Council to become a voice for younger people in society and help promote safe places for young people to meet in the Blue Mountains. She is an active member of her school’s Student Representative Council, plus participates in sports and her church community.

During the Council meeting, Maisy had the chance to address the Councillors on a couple of meeting items expressing a valuable young person’s perspective on local issues.

The opportunity to act in the role of Assistant Mayor and co-chair of the meeting is available to Youth Councillors once a year. Maisy was selected for the role by random ballot at the previous Youth Council meeting.

Councillors unanimously resolved to endorse the membership of the 2016 Blue Mountains Youth Council thank the outgoing Youth Council members for their contribution to our community and welcome the 10 continuing and 15 new members of the Youth Council.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said, “The Blue Mountains Youth Council provides a strong voice for young people to the Council and community. These young people are inspiring advocates for the youth of the Blue Mountains.”

The meeting also heard a report on the activities of Blue Mountains Youth Council presented by returning Youth Councillor Benjamin McGrory. Benjamin thanked the Council for the leadership opportunity and stated his commitment to helping young people with mental health challenges.

2016 Blue Mountains Youth Council membership: Joey Jones-Romeo, Benjamin McGrory, Ruby Moria, Brodie Wylde, Lemuel Appel, Aleksandrs (Sasha) Titovs, Grace Faulder, Kiralee Roscoe-Bynon, Zoe Mikulandra, Paul Mukhin, Eden Conway, Maisy Costa, Andrew Gunn, Meg Hill, Rowan Holdaway, Sophie Jansons, Samara McCabe, Lily Mikulandra, Leah Roscoe-Bynon, Chloe Saunders, Delilah Scott, Jasmine Scott-Smith, Jordan Taylor-Colless, Jasper Tobin and Caspar Zauner.

To follow the activities of the Blue Mountains Youth Council and see videos of the Youth Councillors in action at the Council meeting, visit Facebook www.facebook.com/bluemountainsyouthcouncil/

Photo caption: Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, with Blue Mountains Youth Councillor, Maisy Costa, who was Assistant Mayor and co-chair at Council’s May 2016 meeting.

Some of the most talented performers from Blue Mountains high schools will be presented in a Youth Week 2017 showcase at a special concert at Blaxland High School on Thursday 6 April.

The Youth Week celebration will showcase to celebrate the high quality of performance arts by Blaxland, Penrith, Springwood and Winmalee High School students, in partnership with the Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Blue Mountains City Church and Blue Mountains City Council.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, who will open the Youth Week concert, said, “Young people are active creators of our culture. The performing arts are an excellent way for young people to express excellence, innovation and their personal, political and social views.”

Youth Week in NSW is a week-long celebration held in early April each year that is organised by young people, for young people, in communities across the state. It is an opportunity for young people to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives, and create and enjoy activities and events.

The Youth Week Concert will showcase a wide range of performance styles including vocal, ukulele, jazz, dance and rock as well as an experimental drama piece.

Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre chairperson, Peter Johnson, said, “The showcase will be a great opportunity to share the wonderful talent that we have in our local public high schools. They are our future.”

This year’s theme is ‘Get involved, be heard, make a difference’ and serves as a call to action for young people to play their part in the nation’s future.

“I applaud our local high schools for this Youth Week initiative”, said the Mayor. “I encourage all young people in the Blue Mountains to get involved, be heard, make a difference in any way they are able”, said the Mayor.

For more information you can contact Ryn Vlachou, BMCC on 4780 5545 or the Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre on 4739 1164. Tickets are $5 plus booking fee and are available via www.trybooking.com/PAJE

Youth Week 2017 is held from Friday 31 March 2017 to Sunday 9 April 2017. For further information see http://youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-week-in-nsw/

Photo: Winmalee High School rock band ‘Penny Dreadful’ is one of many acts on the Youth Week Concert program showcasing local talent in the performing arts.