The Federal Labor Government today announced it would contribute $7.3 million towards a new Youth and Community Centre for young people living in Fairfield, NSW.
The new 3,000 square metre centre will be located in Fairfield Park and will contain two program rooms, a large hall for sports and performing arts, office space, kitchen and kiosk facilities as well as new computers and work stations.
Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese said the new youth and community centre will expand youth services to provide better support for the growing youth population.
“A centrally located youth and community centre has long been identified as a priority by the local community. The new centre will mean young people have somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to,” he said.
Local Federal MP Chris Bowen said the new youth centre will be of huge benefit to the youth of Fairfield.
“The project is responding to a critical need for recreational spaces suited to young people within Fairfield,” he said.
“It will provide a positive place for youth to meet, keeping them off the streets and out of trouble.
“The new facility will deliver recreational and social activities for young people in particular, early school leavers and disadvantaged young people.
“It will offer literacy and numeracy programs that specifically target newly arrived migrant and refugee youth to assist them to successfully resettle in Australia.
“These programs will help young refugees to attain a level of education that has the potential to lead to employment.”
The project will provide a long-term economic impact through education and training. It is a good example of the real benefits of targeted, long term investment in our communities.
Overall, the project will support 21 full-time jobs during construction and around three ongoing positions to staff the centre. The project will be completed by end 2015.
Funding is being provided through Round Four of the Regional Development Australia Fund.