AGY-5378 | World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority

Full description

The World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority was established on 4 December 2006 under section 5 of the World Youth Day Act 2006. (1)

World Youth Day is a six-day religious celebration held internationally every three years. Initiated by His Holiness Pope John Paul II in 1984, World Youth Day has become the largest single mobilisation of young people in the world. World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) was held from 15 to 20 July 2008 with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in attendance. The host of WYD08 was the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. The Archdiocese established a company, WYD 2008, to be the event organiser. The New South Wales Government assisted by providing in-kind support to the event, particularly in the areas of security, traffic and transport, health, facilities (school accommodation and venues) and fire services, with the World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority being established to facilitate the co-ordination of planning of the delivery of these services. (2)

The World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority's principal function was to deliver policies, strategies, and plans for the delivery of, and to co-ordinate and manage the delivery of, integrated government services for WYD08 events. Its objectives were: to deliver government services for WYD08 in an effective and efficient manner; to provide a safe and secure environment for WYD08 attendees; to enhance the international reputation of Sydney and New South Wales as excellent hosts and organisers for significant events of this nature; to maximise the tourism legacy for Sydney and New South Wales, and to minimise the impact of WYD08 on Sydney and the New South Wales non-event community. (3)

The World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority had the following functions in relation to World Youth Day events, as described in the World Youth Day Act:
(a) to establish a command structure for the provison of integrated government services, including the preparation and implementation of road and transport plans,
(b) to consult with relevant government agencies and NSW Police in the preparation of road and transport plans,
(c) to notify relevant government agencies and NSW Police of the making or amendment of a road and transport plan,
(d) to co-ordinate and manage the road network, including pedestrian movements and motor vehicle traffic on roads,
(e) to co-ordinate and manage the delivery of public transport services,
(f) to develop and manage the government’s communication and public information strategy,
(g) to perform, co-ordinate, monitor, advise and report on the government’s commitments to WYD 2008,
(h) to liaise with NSW Government agencies and NSW Police on World Youth Day matters,
(i) to be the principal NSW Government agency for liaison with other State and Territory Governments, the Commonwealth Government, WYD 2008 and the Catholic Church on World Youth Day matters,
(j) to provide advice to the New South Wales Government on World Youth Day matters. (4)

The Office of the World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority was established as a Department of the Public Service responsible to the Deputy Premier. The group of staff comprising the World Youth Day 2008 Secretariat in the Premier's Department was removed and added to the Office of the World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority. (5) The portfolio of Deputy Premier had responsibility for the World Youth Day Act 2006 until 8 September 2008 when the portfolio of Planning became responsible for the Act. (6)

The Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority was supported by a Strategic Program Manager and Corporate Counsel with four Executive Directors for Planning and Operations, Property and Logistics, Finance and Corporate Services, and Communications. The Authority was supported by the World Youth Day Co-ordination Committee Advisory Board established under section 9 of the World Youth Day Act 2006, the Local Organising Committee and numerous groups, committees and sub-committees. (7)

Approximately 15,000 registered pilgrims were accommodated in State-owned venues during World Youth Day. Over 200,000 pilgrims attending the Evening Vigil and sleep-out under the stars at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday 19 July 2008, with thousands more joining them to participate in the Final Mass celebrated by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday 20 July 2008. (8)

The World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority was dissolved on 31 December 2008 by proclamation under the World Youth Day Act 2006. The World Youth Day Act 2006 was repealed on 1 January 2009. (9)

Endnotes
(1) World Youth Day Act 2006 (Act No.106, 2006), s.5; NSW Government Gazette No.189, 22 December 2006, pp.11734-1736.
(2) World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority, Annual Report, 2007/2008, p.5.
(3) Ibid., p.4
(4) World Youth Day Act 2006, s.12 (2).
(5) Public Sector Employment and Management (World Youth Day) Order 2006; NSW Government Gazette No.189, 22 December 2006, p.11735.
(6) World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority, Annual Report, 2008/2009, p.9
(7) Ibid., pp.9, 10, 12-16.
(8) Ibid., pp.22, 24.
(9) Proclamation under the World Youth Day Act 2006; NSW Government Gazette No.157, 12 December 2008, p.11891.