CHILDREN from the Gulargambone township will be able to access school holiday activities a lot closer to home now major renovations on the local youth centre are complete.

The Gulargambone Afterschool Activities Youth Centre, which was first set up in the 1970s, has recently undergone a makeover after receiving almost $80,000 in state government funding.

Coonamble Shire Council General Manager Hein Basson said the renovations included new footpaths, turf and concrete around the building, internal and external repairs, new flooring in the storage area and a fresh coat of paint on the outside of the building.

*A fresh look for the Gulargambone Youth Centre.

He said the diversity of the works, which took place from July to September, would extend the centre's lifespan.

"This includes the diversion of stormwater that was pooling underneath the building," Mr Basson said.

"Ageing and lifting pavers were removed and a new concrete path and patio area was provided.

"The centre had also been impacted during the mice plague and the carpets were removed and new vinyl flooring has improved the quality of the centre."

The renovations did not include any extensions to the building's capacity however Mr Basson said the outdoor area is now a lot more inviting thanks to the new turf and a concreted patio area in conjunction with the basketball court.

While the centre was still able to operate while renovations were underway, the renovations coincided with the stay-at-home orders so was closed whilst the contractor undertook the work.

The renovations were completed just in time for the easing of restrictions, allowing the services to reconvene by the time Term 4 began in October.

"The centre opens two days a week for council’s After School Activities," Mr Basson said.

"Other service providers such as MacKillop Family and the Rural Flying Doctor Service also utilise the centre to provide their services approximately once a week or once a fortnight depending on their demand.

"School holiday activities have also previously been run from the centre and council is looking at reintroducing days at the Gular Youth Centre for children and youth during the January 2022 school holidays."

Indoor basketball court rings, new equipment and craft activities have also been purchased, using other available funds, to increase the appeal of the centre for local young people.

Acting principal for Gulargambone Central School and kindergarten teacher Liz Ede said she welcomed the return of local after-school activities.

"Since it’s been open again, I know the kids have really enjoyed going back there - I know my little kids were really impressed with the new toys in the centre," she said.

"It didn't really have anything going on over there since the mouse plague, so to have somewhere for the kids to go after school is a benefit for the whole town."