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The State Government has agreed to transfer funds, set aside for a community centre in Kununurra, to the building of a youth centre. Youth Minister Sheila McHale visited Kununurra on Tuesday to make the announcement. Anticipating a successful transfer of the funding, local organisers are already well on their way with planning for the new centre. It is to be located where the old Youth Services facility was, near the basketball courts. |
Shire President Barbara Johnson said that if everything went to plan, work could begin on the new centre by May or June next year, with completion expected by October or November. A competition will be run amongst local youth to come up with a name for the centre. Ms McHale gave her approval for the transfer of $725,000 to fund the project. Previous plans for a community centre contained a small proportion of allocation for youth facilities, but the new proposal will mean the centre is totally designed for youth pursuits. |
Ms McHale said the decision had come as a result of concerted lobbying from Local Member Carol Martin, the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley and advice from the Department of Community Development. She said the aim was to address 'youth issues' in Kununurra. "A multi-purpose youth facility will help resolve some of these issues and will also provide a new home from which a range of youth-oriented services and programs will operate," Ms McHale said. Mrs Martin and Cr Johnson were enthusiastic about the decision. |