Goulburn to showcase region as host of 2021 NSW Youth conference

The event will bring together up to 200 young people, mainly from Youth Councils from throughout NSW to discuss issues that affect them and to build skills.

It will be held at the Veolia Arena, Grace Millsom Centre and Ross Whittaker basketball stadium but may include other venues.

Cr Carol James told the most recent meeting that Tumut asked Goulburn Mulwaree to host the conference after deciding it couldn't do so due to the bushfire aftermath.

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"Our youth have been to the last three or four conferences and put in a pitch for Goulburn Mulwaree to host it, but came second (behind Tumut)," she said.

Cr James, who mentors the Youth Council, said it was an "inspiring and educational" forum that allowed participants to meet and discuss important issues and contribute to their own communities.

The local contingent has chosen the theme 'Come Together, Future through Community.' More specifically, they'll focus on renewable energy, technology and how to utilise it for good, the meaning of community and how to develop it in one's area.

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The aim was to showcase Goulburn through speakers and workshops, highlighting what the city had achieved in these fields. A social event is also planned as part of the September 17 to 19 event.

The council will allocate a maximum $25,000 to the conference, which will also cover booking fees. It's expected to cost $59,800, including $20,600 in catering expenses if the council subsidises this. Income is estimated at $48,600.

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Cr James said the forum had already attracted $2000 each in motel sponsorship and business contributions. In addition, the Youth Council had devoted its entire $25,000 annual allocation to the event.

But it was not enough for Cr Margaret O'Neill.

She said ratepayers were doing it tough and opposed a contribution of up to $25,000.

"It's a lot of money to put in," she told Cr James.

"I fight for the youth as much as you but...I'd rather give half that amount."

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She forecast a tight budget on the back of coronavirus challenges and argued organisers should seek more sponsorship.

"That's the intent but because of coronavirus, it's been difficult. We are still looking for sponsorship," Cr James countered.

Mayor Bob Kirk said the council had unsuccessfully tried to secure a State grant for the event. In addition, the format had been trimmed to meet a lower budget.

The meeting heard that the maximum $25,000 would only be paid if the council subsidised catering. If not, then the contribution would be $11,200.

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While Cr O'Neill had concerns, Cr Kirk said the conference would inject money into the economy with possibly up to 250 people in Goulburn for three days.

Cr Alf Walker also backed the allocation.

"I feel it's an opportunity for young people to showcase Goulburn and themselves," he said.

"The Youth Council has also shown its commitment by putting in all their $25,0000 budget and that's a big step."

A working party, including Youth Council members, will be formed to help organise the conference and to seek sponsorship.

Meantime, the overall events budget will be loosened up with the cancellation of several fixtures this year due to coronavirus.

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