Cobar Shire may only have a population of just under 3,800 people in the 2021 Census but with just over 1000 children and young people around a quarter of that population is under the age of 19.

Keeping them occupied throughout the long hot summer holidays can be a challenge and this year Cobar's young people are signing on for an enviable array of activities.

From free access to the Cobar Memorial Swimming Pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays; daily vacation care programs; free art classes for two solid weeks; airconditioned activities at the Cobar Shire & TAFE Library from mid-January, and even a dance camp later on in the month, local children are embracing the options available.

The Cobar Out of School Hours Service (COOSH) provides care for 5-12 year olds.

"We have a few days this week that are booked out but we're not totally booked out as yet for the rest of the holidays," a spokesperson said. "At the moment we have between 15-20 children booked in each day. Our max is 30".

The Cobar Memorial Swimming Pool where children over the age of 12 are able to swim and attend the pool unsupervised. [Image E. Datson]

On Monday 3 January the Cobar Shire Council announced school holiday art workshops with separate sessions each day for 5-11 year olds and 12-18 year olds.

Sig Peters, owner and operator of The Pink Galah is a primary-trained teacher and passionate about the arts and has been called on by council to provide the workshops.

"At the beginning of 2022, Cobar Shire Council approached me about providing free creative workshop opportunities to the kids of Cobar through NSW government funding. I immediately said yes and I have taught these workshops every holidays during 2022".

"Each holiday period, I provide 160 spots in eight different workshops over a four day period.

"They book out within 24hrs, it’s very popular. It’s a big week - but very worthwhile," she said.

The Pink Galah will be doubling their art activities in Cobar these school holidays. IMAGE: The Pink Galah

"These holidays will see me double these numbers - providing two entire weeks in January for students aged 5 – 18 years. That will mean 320 amazing creations being created in the Studio", said Mrs Peters.

"Being a kid who grew up on a property north of Cobar, I understand what it’s like growing up in the bush and not having many creative opportunities at hand".

"The arts provide so much more than just paint and glue - The ability to grow confidence, express themselves, develop their fine motor, cognitive and social skills is something that needs to be on offer to our kids regularly and it shouldn’t matter where you live.

"Cobar Shire Council has jumped on board this vision with me and I hope to be able to continue doing this throughout 2023 and beyond", Sig Peters told the Western Plains App.

The Cobar Youth and Community Centre or "Youthie", located on Harcourt St will also re-open from 11am Monday 9 January.