Congratulations to three Brighton councillors who received Local Government Service Awards at the recent 2023 LGAT Annual Conference Dinner. The Recognition of Service award highlights the length of commitment for elected members to the local government sector.

Councillor Philip Owen was acknowledged for 34 years service (1989 – current), Councillor Peter Geard for 35 years (1984 – 1993; 1997 – current) and Deputy Mayor Barbara Curran, Brighton Council for 27 years (1996 – current). Mayor Leigh Gray was also recognised for his 17 years service (2005– current).

In a successful night for the municipality, Brighton Council was also awarded the Delivering Excellence – Larger Council Award for its Big Bangin’ Youth Night, an event created and managed by the the Brighton Youth Action Group (BYAG).

The judges were impressed with how the event was developed and delivered. Wanting to make sure young people aged 12-25 years in our municipality could be listened to and most importantly heard, Council initiated the establishment of the BYAG in January 2023. Once established, this small group of incredibly motivated and switched on young people did not waste any time coming up with the idea of the Big Bangin Youth Night. The Big Bangin Youth Night was completely curated by young people for young people in our area – they led the design and execution of the event, building their own skills in leadership, public speaking and design.

The Big Bangin’ Youth Night brought people together to have fun in a safe way, showcased local entertainment skills and provided an opportunity to talk.

On the night, BYAG hosted “The Talk” – a panel discussion with representation from the Commissioner for Children, the Police Inspector of the Bridgewater Division, young people themselves, community members and some councillors to talk about what it is like to be a young person in our area.

A special mention of our Community Development Officer at the time, Brittany Szlezak, who brought it all together and believed in the BYAG and their vision for the night. She tirelessly helped the group see it through to be the successful event that it was. Congratulations to BYAG and our long serving councillors.