Brewarrina scores $10 million for PCYC Youth Hub!

Senator Deborah O’Neill (in white hat) with primary school students from the three Brewarrina Schools announcing $10 million for the Brewarrina PCYC Youth Hub. Photo TWH

Brewarrina Shire General Manager David Kirby and Bre Shire Mayor Vivian Slack-Smith checking out the plans for the new $10m PCYC Youth Hub on the proposed new site across from the Brewarrina Council Chambers. Photo TWH

The youth of Brewarrina are unexpected winners in last week’s federal budget, with enough money allocated

to build a state-of-the-art youth centre in Bre.

Brewarrina Shire Council has been awarded just over $10 million to develop the PCYC Youth Hub and Indoor Sports Centre.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager, David Kirby said the funding was unexpected, but very welcome, and would mean a total transformation of the existing youth facility, which he said, “looks more like a shearing shed than a youth centre.”

“We were extremely humbled to be able to get the funding,” Mr Kirby said. “It was probably one of the most competitive grant rounds that we’ve been a part of in many years.”

“We were one of about 40 applications that got up among thousands and one of the only communities in the far western region – it’s a good outcome for community.”

Mr Kirby said the timing for the PCYC project will work well in conjunction with the Shire’s current Main Street project, with an aim to redevelop the old tennis court area which is situated in this precinct.

“It obviously puts another shopfront building into Main Street which is great. Over many years we’ve lost a lot in our Main Street area and to be able to start building something back there is a great opportunity.”

Options for alternative placement of the tennis courts include at Geoff New Oval.

“Obviously the Geoff New Oval is the town’s sporting precinct,” Mr Kirby said. “So, we are looking at ways in which we can further develop that area and move the tennis courts to a more suitable location that’s associated with outdoor sporting activities.”

“One of our primary focus areas for this grant was looking at ways in which we can enhance our youth activities and development. Our existing youth centre been there many years and to now bring something cutting edge for, not only the youth but the adult population as well, will help with further development in and around that space.” […]

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