With a ground swell from other key groups such as Y2A – Youth to Adult, Reconnect, Bellingen EYE, Police Youth Liasons and the Bellingen Chamber of Commerce, council has been approached to find a space that could become a designated place for our youth.

“Four walls and a roof is what we need to commence the initial vision of the youth centre,” said Sam Hughes.

In the initial stages there is support for the centre to provide two afternoons per week and one evening on the weekend. BBQs, movie nights, ping pong, facilities for making afternoon teas, homework space and a garden are some of the ideas to be created by this facility.

Paul Tipper from Y2A spoke in support of the venture and stated that there were offers from local shops for donations, parental involvement via a roster system in the running of the venue and support from Country Energy.

Green Corps says that one of their projects could be contribution to garden maintenance. Members of the Bello EYE are keen to have somewhere for a vegie space.

“Youth involvement in the running of the space will also be encourage,” said Ryan Gorman.

“How many people are we looking at using this centre,” asked Cr Bruce Cronin.

“At present there are around 30 members of Bello EYE and it would be expected that at least this many people would use the centre initially,” said Lisa Segel.

“It would be important to allow room for expansion as the word gets out,” said Paul Tipper.

“Just take a look at Church Street after school and that will give you an indication of usage,” said Ryan Gorman.

Councillors have decided to have a meeting on July 6 to further discuss the Community/Youth Centre issue.