MP Steph Cooke was joined by Bland Shire Council Deputy Mayor Tony Lord to officially open the centre, which she said is an exciting way to start Youth Week across the region. Photo: Steph Cooke MP.
Bland Shire’s new Youth Centre has opened its doors, providing a safe place for young people to gather after school and on weekends.
Located at West Wylong, it’s also the perfect way to kick off Bland’s Youth Week celebrations.
“Youth Week is officially here for 2024 and I couldn’t be more thrilled to kickstart this year’s activities with the official opening of the brand-new Youth Centre here in West Wyalong,” Member for Cootamundra Stephe Cooke said at the official opening of the centre.
“This is an investment in our future. By providing a place for young people to access support programs and activities, we can create an environment for them to flourish and look towards a future filled with opportunity and promise.”
The centre is the first of its kind in the Bland Shire region and has been requested by many parents who want safe places for their children to play.
Ms Cooke explained that the Youth Officer at the centre, Macey Cowan, was part of the initial group of young people who petitioned the council back in 2020 for a space dedicated to local youth.
“Not only is this centre a wonderful asset for the young people of the Bland Shire, it’s also a perfect example of what can be achieved with the passion, dedication and drive I so often see among the younger generations within our communities,” Ms Cooke said.
“At just 20 years of age, Macey has demonstrated that big things are possible when you advocate for change and pursue your passions. In her role as Youth Officer, she is a great example to others of the creativity, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness of our young people.”
The Youth Centre was made possible thanks to contributions from previous Federal and State Governments, including $152,192 under the NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund.
The Youth Centre includes study spaces, television screens, video game consoles and other IT equipment, as well as an outdoor area.
The centre will be open after school on select days and one day on the weekend. The Youth Centre is located directly next to Council’s main office on Shire Street.
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