Belmore Youth Resource Centre (BYRC) is booming after taking out a top honour at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Boomtown! GWS Project of the Year Awards.

The Council drop-in Centre was recognised for its 30-year anniversary with the Chairman’s Prize at last night’s Gala Dinner at Accor Stadium.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek accepted the award, which was presented by Chair of Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Christopher Brown and CEO of Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Adam Leto.

In a heartfelt speech, Mayor El-Hayek said the award means so much to so many people.

“Not only the dedicated staff that put in hours of hard work and planning and putting in place programs, but the thousands of people that have dropped into the centre,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

BYRC opened on 27 August 1994 and has welcomed more than 10,000 locals through its doors.

Those dealing with life’s challenges escape to the Centre to access counselling and support services, while those wanting a hangout space after school are also welcomed.

Mayor El-Hayek said the Centre is a safe space for young people in the community.

“I’m proud of the work they do and our Council’s involvement,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“To be recognised for a labour of love is important but the greatest recognition is knowing the centre has supported the young people in our City for 30 years.”

The Boomtown! GWS Project of the Year Awards promote the projects that will hope to grow the cities of the west, as well as addressing urban transformation, cities policy and governance reform.

For more information about Belmore Youth Resource Centre, visit cb.city/BYRC