A beloved second home for many Cobar kids has recently been re-opened after significant upgrades were undertaken thanks to $2.1 million in joint funding from the NSW and Australian Governments.  

The Youth and Community Centre 'Youthie' in Cobar gives young locals a place to socialise and stay healthy, with the newly renovated facility featuring a new gym, two squash courts, and mixed use community rooms. 

Youth Development and Community Services Coordinator at Cobar Shire Council, Brytt Moore, said that the upgraded facility has been incredibly well received by the community.  

"We opened on the 4th of October and in the first week we averaged about 50-60 kids per day at the centre so it was really well received," she said.  

The refurbished building has seen upgrades completed to the basketball, netball and squash courts as well as the addition of an upstairs gym, community room, commercial kitchen and café.  

"The best part was that we got funding to install a lift so we could utilise the upstairs area," said Brytt, "so now we've gained a gym and a multipurpose community room."  

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said $304,371 in funding through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program was used to install a lift to enable the upstairs area to be utilised as a gym. 

“Without a lift, the upstairs section of the building was not going to be available to the public, so this funding has enabled the gym to be re-located to the second floor,” Mr Coulton said. 

“It has also provided access to the multi-purpose community room upstairs, as well as the scoring and viewing area above the squash courts. It’s so important that the entire community can access these facilities, and I’m pleased the former Coalition Government was able to contribute to this fantastic project. 

“Cobar now has a brilliant centre, and the inclusion of a lift has set a new benchmark for the town,” said Mr Coulton.  

“The facility now becomes the centrepiece of a stunning recreation complex in Drummond Park which is used by a large number of families each weekend.” 

Brytt believes that the centre is incredibly important for the community of Cobar, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds who are in need of a safe space.  

"I'm noticing the demographic that I get there are mainly lower socioeconomic kids so it's a safe space for them where they can access free fruit, bubblers and water so they can go home full if they need to," she explained.  

"It's also really good for the community because it's indoor, it's located in center of town, it's multi-purpose and it makes sport so accessible," she said.  

While the 'Youthie' is already being put to good use, Brytt hopes to access more funding to improve it even further.  

"We've still got about three more funding stages that we want to undertake," she said.  

"There's an outdoor court that needs to be redone and the indoor courts need to be refurbished as well as an outdoor area where the preschool used to be."  

"We want it to be as accessible as possible to everyone," she said.  

The refurbished Youth and Community Centre was officially opened on 4 October and is a free and safe space in Cobar for anyone to enjoy.