The Inverell Youth Advisory Council (IYAC) has wrapped up a whirlwind year of colour runs, discos, skateboards and strategy-building, presenting its annual report to Council and signalling that 2026 is shaping up to be even more exciting.
At Council’s November Ordinary Meeting, IYAC Chair Jacqui Paton delivered the rundown on what has been one of the group’s most active years yet, covering activities from January through to November 2025. And if the packed report is anything to go by, Inverell’s young people have been busy.
The year kicked off with monthly meetings and internal development, but things really took off once the events started rolling. Among the highlights was the wildly popular Skating Come and Try Event, held in partnership with Totem Skateboarding and tied into both the Multicultural Festival and Youth Week. The program drew a crowd of children and teens keen to test their skills, all while learning about safe, confident – and seriously fun – skating.
From there, IYAC slid straight into celebration mode with the annual Primary School Disco & Movie Night at Ross Hill Public School. Now in its third year, the National Youth Week event delivered a double feature of dancing and a screening of Minecraft: The Movie, cementing its reputation as one of the feel-good fixtures on the youth calendar.
Community spirit was also on full display at the Careers Expo, where IYAC members rolled up their sleeves to help set up and staff the event. Their support helped connect students with future career pathways – a quieter activity than a disco, perhaps, but every bit as important.
And then came the colour. During the Sapphire City Festival, IYAC members helped prepare bottles, build obstacles, and enthusiastically spray over 100 participants in the Festival Fun Colour Run. It was messy, bright, and by all accounts, one of the best days of the year.
Behind the scenes, IYAC played a major role in shaping the Inverell Shire Youth Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030, providing key insights to ensure the plan genuinely reflects local young people’s needs. Membership also nearly doubled during the year – a sign that the council’s momentum is catching on.
To help keep young people in the loop, IYAC launched a brand-new Instagram page and email address, opening the door to stronger communication, wider reach, and a more switched-on digital presence.
With 2026 on the horizon, IYAC is already planning to continue favourites like the Movie Night, Disco and Read To Win! program, while also cooking up fresh ideas. On the discussion table are an ISC Come and Try Day, an Inverell Scavenger Hunt, and a Town Pool Splash Event. These planned events are all currently in development for next year with details to be released as the year unfolds.
Mayor Kate Dight praised the group’s enthusiasm and leadership.
“The Youth Advisory Council has shown remarkable leadership in 2025 and their future plans demonstrate a strong commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive community for young people,” she said.
“Council looks forward to supporting their journey into 2026.”
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