Feedback from young people using the Bogan Shire Youth and Community Centre following the first three months of the new facility has resulted in Council extending the sessions to five days a week during the Christmas holidays and in term one 2023. 

The BSYCC summer holidays calendar has commenced this January and includes drop-in sessions for those aged 12 and over every weekday afternoon, as well as some grant-funded holiday activities such as paddling on the Bogan River and a skateboarding workshop. 

Additionally, agencies such as Barnardos and the Red Cross Community Hub will be using the centre to provide additional activities for young people – including those aged under 12 who are able to attend with parental supervision. 

Director of People and Community Services, Debb Wood, told Councillors at the December meeting the drop-in sessions during term four had averaged around 30 young people each day three times a week. 

“Feedback received verbally from youth attending the drop-in sessions and also through some of the Nyngan High School teaching staff is that they would like the Centre to be open every weekday afternoon after school,” Mrs Wood said. 

“For term one, 2023, the Centre will be open for youth drop-in sessions every weekday afternoon on a trial basis. During this time a survey will be undertaken to collect feedback directly from Youth attending the Centre to help guide the Youth Drop-in session operations and frequency moving forward.” 

Since commencing operations on October 10 until December 2, the BSYCC held 24 drop -in sessions for young people aged 12 and over, and recorded a total 724 attendees. 

In addition, the centre has received strong enquiry from community groups and organisations to book the space for events and programs. 

Mrs Wood told Council there had been 12 bookings and seven community activities held at the facility in its opening weeks. 

Bogan Shire Mayor Glen Neill said he had received positive feedback on the new venue each time he visited. 

“Overwhelmingly the feedback is very positive,” Clr Neill said. 

“I do get asked nearly every time I visit when we are going to mark the lines on the basketball court which I believe is going to happen.” 

Bogan Shire General Manager Derek Francis said Council had applied for grant funding to finance the line marking and it was expected to be done in the first half of 2023. 

“In the meantime, if need be, we can use temporary tape lines,” Mr Francis said.