Over the 2025–2026 summer school holidays, young people in Bourke and nearby towns took part in a wide range of safe, fun and positive activities. These activities were made possible because local organisations worked together with a shared goal of supporting young people and families.
Planning was led by the School Holiday Activity Committee, which includes 13 local agencies and the group began meeting in November, meeting twice a week to plan activities for young people across Bourke. Together, they created a shared calendar so activities were spread across the holidays and suited different age groups.
Activities included lawn bowls, Lego days, cultural weaving, pool days, movie nights and other community events. Many activities were planned and run by local organisations using their own resources. Some larger activities were supported through funding that Bourke Shire Council received from the NSW Government. Council shared this funding with local organisations so they could bring in trainers and offer more specialised programs.
Maranguka’s Acting CEO, Rebecca Swan, said the success of the program came from agencies working together.
“No one organisation could do this on its own. By working together, we were able to give young people positive things to do, strengthen relationships in the community and help keep the holidays safe for everyone.”
Families were encouraged to check the weekly activity calendar which Maranguka produced and released each weekend and to follow local social media pages for updates on times and locations.
This work shows how local organisations, Council and the police can work together to create positive outcomes for young people and the wider community.