A victim of the impacts of floods and Covid-19, the Lake Cargelligo Youth Centre suffered with low attendance and was eventually closed down during those difficult times. But this week, it has surged back to life with a new location, great amenities and a well-attended opening to celebrate the town's newest community hub.

The new centre was facilitated by Lachlan and Western Regional Services (LWRS) a well-known local not for profit group that seeks to identify gaps in community services, and works to support the community to improve both the access to and availability of services and to support, train and enhance the lives of our community members.

Courtney Straney, Executive Officer of LWRS said the new space was fantastic.

"We were previously at another location but have moved to a more open space with greater amenities to provide the youth a safe space to meet after school, and on each day of the school holidays," Ms Straney said. "The previous Youth Centre has been open, but mostly inaccessible due to issues with the building.

"We have been facilitating our services in public places, and keeping the kids as active as possible through lots of sport (weather permitting). So to have a beautiful new indoor centre with lounges, tv, movie projector, arts and crafts spaces, all of the cooking equipment and appliances you could possibly imagine, and an enormous amount of sporting goods stored is incredibly exciting."

The Youth Centre was opened with a Welcome to Country by a local Elder, with a smoking ceremony held to cleanse the space. The entire community were invited to join the barbecue and yarn and wellness packs were provided to all youth who came along.

"The new Youth Centre will be open for youth aged 12 and over each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3pm to 6pm, plus, each day over the school holidays when times will vary depending on the activities we have planned," Ms Straney said.

Lake Cargelligo's Youth Centre will employ seven staff in the small community. IMAGE: VisitNSW

 The reopening of the Youth Centre has been a boon for local employment with seven staff engaged as Youth Development Officers in Lake Cargelligo. They are tasked with not only supervising the Youth Centre, but also providing support and development to the youth within the region.

"The Centre will also house other Programs managed by LWRS, including the Supported Parents Program (SPP), funded by the New South Wales government," Ms Straney said. "SPP aims to support parents, guardians and caregivers of secondary-school aged students at risk of disengagement from the education system. The Lake Youth Centre will also provide a space for LWRS to meet with families to identify barriers impacting their education, training and/or employment potential through SPP."

SPP staff will work with families and students to develop action plans to break down any identified barriers, whether that be through vocational courses, the provision of uniforms and meals, transportation, or parenting support courses. Ms Straney said the SPP also acts as a referral pathway to all other services that are identified in our communication with families, with our staff providing support and advocacy every step of the way.

"This Centre will be a safe space for the town’s youth, where they are able to relax, study, play, connect, and share a meal with their peers," Ms Straney said.