Thursday 12th December marked a great celebration in Young where the redeveloped Rotaract Park was formally handed back to the Young community and hosted its inaugural Christmas celebrations.
Many members of the community attended, coming from far and wide for speeches, awards, Christmas carols and entertainment. There was lots to enjoy, with the weather turning on a perfect evening and not a cloud in the sky. Kids played and ran, loving the ice creams and lollies, with the jumping castle, sausage sizzle and Santa all in high demand. At one point, there was a long line of children waiting to tell Santa all about their wishes.
Our very own Argyle Angels (aka Young Office staff) even got up on the stage to sing Christmas Carols accompanied by members of the Old 45s band. There were speeches from Young North primary, Chris Bratchford (Argyle CEO) – who formally handed over the park and Young Rotary. However, the highlight speech of the night was from local resident, Thomas Miller, who spoke about what the redeveloped park meant to him and his family and how the newly developed park was protected by the local residents, who now feel a sense of ownership and that the space provides a safe place for his family to spend time.
Thomas’ words epitomise what Argyle, its partners and the community initially set out to do – to increase the social capital and engender a sense of community. It was clearly evident on the night that through lots of hard work, collaboration and commitment, we are well on the way to having achieved this. Congratulations to all involved!
Stop Press!!
Young North Public School was just been announced as the NSW Cohesive School Community- Minister’s Award winner 2013. There is only one winner across public and private sector with the park project forming part of the submission.