Y Space Cooma Launches into new era for youth
Published on 11 April 2022
Young people in Cooma now have a great place to study, access support and simply hang out with their peers in a safe and welcoming environment.
Y NSW and Snowy Monaro Regional Council are excited to announce the official launch of the upgraded Y Space Cooma on 13 April 2022 at 10.30am.
The upgrade has been made possible through a 2020/21 NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Grant of $169,000 and sees the community facility upgraded to a modern, more accessible meeting space for young people.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor, Narelle Davis, said the service has been vital, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to help young people in the region.
“Council has played a significant role and provided leadership in the development of the Cooma Y Space for more than 20 years, when the former Senior Citizens Club was developed into the youth centre/HUB, combining all of the youth services into one viable service and centre,” Mayor Davis said.
“Then as now, I am very proud that the initial work has continued with the collaborative effort between Y NSW, the NSW Government and our Council, that has resulted in the completely refurbished Y Space Cooma. Thanks to the funding from the Stronger Country Communities Fund, our young people now have access to a modern, safe and inclusive space to learn, to grow and to come together.
Cooma Youth Program Coordinator Cathy Guion said the mental health impact of the pandemic on young people was severe and more than ever they needed safe places like Y Space Cooma where they can build connections, confidence and just be themselves.
“Y NSW has been supporting young people in the Cooma region since 1997,” Guion said.
“Over the years young peoples’ issues and needs have changed however the one thing that hasn’t changed is the presence of the YMCA.”
For Snowy Monaro Youth Council member, Josh Abrokwah, the space has been life-changing. “It was great that we had this kind of space that we could just chill and meet up with friends and calm down, there really wasn’t a place that we could do that anywhere else.” said 16-year-old Josh, who moved from Sydney to Cooma with his family in 2016.
The existing facility has undergone a major facelift and the young people of Cooma provided significant input into the design.
In addition to expanding the youth space footprint, there’s new flooring and painting throughout, all new furniture and computer infrastructure. The outdoor space will also be expanded as part of the upgrade.
NSW Minister for Regional Youth, Ben Franklin, said the upgrade would lead to valuable social benefits.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring all young people, no matter what part of the state they live in, are able to access the most up-to-date technology and resources to help them learn and grow,” Mr Franklin said.
“It is so exciting to be able to launch this upgrade, made possible through our Stronger Country Community funding. This investment will help deliver significant economic and social benefits to young people and regional communities.”
The centre plays host to a range of activities and events including School Holiday Programs, NAIDOC activities, local network meetings and much more.
Y Space Cooma has computer access, gaming modules, pool tables and information and resources on a range of topics, catering to the needs of young people aged 12-24 years.
The centre offers support services for young people experiencing homelessness, financial difficulty, disengagement from education and training or family breakdown.
EVENT DETAILS
Where: 39 - 41 Vale St, Cooma - https://bit.ly/3wDNvkR
When: 13 April 2022 from 10:30am
- 10.30am - Doors open
- 11.00am - Welcome and keynote address
- 12.00pm - Cake cutting
- 12.15pm - #NSWYouthWeek art competition winner announcement
- 12.30-5pm - Open day activities
- BBQ light lunch and refreshments served
- Music/DJ
- Craft activities
- Pool and billiards