Bernburg. District Administrator Markus Bauer congratulates Westdorf, Mehringen and Zens on their outstanding performance in the state competition "Our Village Has a Future". "The three villages have shown what rural areas have to offer: vibrant communities that preserve traditions across generations while constantly providing new impetus!" The District Administrator emphasises that this commitment makes the Salzlandkreis district an attractive place to live, work and study! Markus Bauer thanked all those in the villages who show such passion and commitment to others on a daily basis.
Westdorf's community around local mayor Ronny Küster and Aschersleben mayor Steffen Amme received the gold award from Minister Sven Schulze in Magdeburg's Elbauenpark on Sunday. Among other things, the laudation stated that Westdorf had "impressively demonstrated what a lively village community means: cohesion, openness and a wealth of ideas". Among other things, the jury was impressed by the village community centre heated with geothermal energy, sponsorship for the maintenance of green spaces, a WhatsApp channel for all Westdorf residents, a citizen survey in the run-up to the competition and the huge turnout on the day of the presentation.
The clubs in Westdorf have enriched life in the village for years. Prior to the jury's visit a few months ago, all the clubs planned the ultimately successful presentation of the village to the jury of the regional competition together, according to the local council. This included a song specially composed by the choir to welcome them, a scavenger hunt through the village and a video of all the social highlights that the people of the village organise themselves throughout the year. Another highlight was transporting the jury to the individual meeting points of the clubs in a Trabant. Participation in the competition was initiated by the Westdorf local history association.
Westdorf is the first village from the Salzland district to represent the region in next year's national competition. Mehringen, another district of Aschersleben, was honoured with silver in the state competition, while Zens in the municipality of Bördeland received bronze. The three villages had won the district competition in the Salzland district last year. This was organised by the district administration.
District Administrator Markus Bauer says proudly: "It is important to show that we have excellent conditions for families in the Salzland district between Halle and Magdeburg - in all respects. Those who live and work in our region make it clear that we are a good place to live and work! Everyone finds their place here!"
In the state competition, 14 villages from all over Saxony-Anhalt competed for the title "Our village has a future". The state winners will be able to compete again in the national competition next year. The national prize will then be awarded at the International Green Week in Berlin in 2027, followed by a reception with the Federal President at Bellevue Palace.