BOAMBEE East Community Centre has secured a share in the latest round of the NSW Government’s $1.5 million Youth Opportunities program.

The not-for-profit organisation is working to improve youth engagement and participation has received a funding boost to help kickstart new initiatives.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward congratulated the group and said 35 projects state-wide received up to $50,000 each through the program.

“We want all young people to be engaged and active members of their communities and these grants foster exciting new initiatives to make that happen,” Mr Ward said.

The Minister also recognised the ongoing work of local member Gurmesh Singh in continually backing grant applications from the community.

Boambee East Community Centre Community Development Officer Anthea Flowers said, “This funding will go towards delivering a series of pop-up art, cultural and music workshops across the Coffs Harbour local government area and will include providing mentoring and training to local youth committees.”

The funding will also help overcome some of the barriers experienced by young people in our region such as accessibility and access to transport.

The workshops will culminate in a showcase event for young people.

Located in Bruce King Drive, the Boambee East Community Centre is a vital hub for the local community, offering a wide range of services to support and empower people, including providing a meeting and event space for many community groups and clubs including the Coffs Harbour Astronomical Society, Chin Waggers social club for Seniors and local church groups.

For more information about the Centre and its services call 6658 4655 or find them on Facebook.

 

By David TUNE