A number of WSROC councils picked up top gongs at Western Sydney's premier community sector awards in January.
An initiative of the Western Sydney Community Forum, the ZEST Awards are an annual celebration of the innovation and creativity of those who work to strengthen Western Sydney communities.
Council-run projects recognised at the awards include:
Barefoot Beats, Penrith
Winner: Award for Outstanding Project Promoting Social Cohesion and Community Harmony
Barefoot beats was a dance-based project produced by Penrith City Council for students of Aboriginal, African and Pacific heritage at Colyton Trade High School that supported cross-cultural awareness, creative collaborations and acceptance.
Home Country, Blacktown
Winner: Out of the Box
Staged in a multi-level car park in Blacktown, Home Country is a theatrical triptych that explores place, identity, and what it means to be home.
2168 Children’s Parliament, Liverpool
Highly commended: Out of the Box
An Australian first program aimed at engaging local students in political issues. The Children’s Parliament held quarterly meetings at the Liverpool City Council chambers to discuss issues important to the city’s youth.
WSROC President Cr Stephen Bali congratulated all award recipients and nominees at the event.
“The community sector plays a vital role in supporting Western Sydney residents. From critical frontline services to opportunities for people to express themselves creatively, these programs are ultimately contributing to a better society.
"Without these programs, and the people who run them, Western Sydney would not be what it is today.
“I am very proud to see council-run programs among those recognised, and I know that there are many other projects which have received local government support in one way or another,” said Cr Bali.
2018 ZEST AWARD WINNERS BY CATEGORY
Exceptional Community Business Partnership
Winner 4Elements Music Project
Exceptional Community Partnership across a Region
Winner The Make Healthy Normal (MHN) campaign
Highly Commended The Greater Western Sydney School Holiday Fun Day
Exceptional Community Partnership in a Local Government Area
Winner The Village Café
Highly Commended MENtors
Exceptional Project in a Not for Profit Organisation
Winner The Safer Relationships Project
Highly Commended The Emergency Housing Assistance initiative
Exceptional Social Enterprise in Greater Western Sydney
Winner Pepper’s Place
Highly Commended Catalysr
Hall of Fame Stephanie Oatley
Out of the Box
Winner Home Country
Highly Commended The 2168 Children’s Parliament
Outstanding Community Leader in a Paid Capacity
Winner Pat Hall
Highly Commended Judith Hawkes
Outstanding Community Leader in a Volunteer Capacity
Winner Carole Anne Priest
Highly Commended Trevor Oldfield
Outstanding Community Leader in a Volunteer Capacity
Winner Michele Ellery
Outstanding Project promoting Social Cohesion and Community Harmony
Winner Barefoot Beats
Highly Commended Together in Willmot
Outstanding Project working with Aboriginal Communities
Winner Aboriginal themed vest for Rooby Roo
Outstanding Voluntary Group/Organisation
Winner Blacktown Community Hub
Highly Commended Nepean Food Services
Outstanding Youth Leader
Winner Lisa Lewis
Winner Lilly Lyons
Outstanding Youth Led Project
Winner Discovery!
Highly Commended Sydney Pacifica Youth Leadership Group
Western Sydney University Unsung Heroes
Winner Amy Briggs