Picture a safe space for local youth where they can escape the deceptive allure of screens and social media, where they can hang out with friends both after school, on weekends and during school holidays.
A centre of this kind is currently under construction at Logan Central and could open to the community by the end of October.
It’s the first dedicated youth centre in the entire city.
Once the final touches of the $5 million build are complete, the centre will be used to support locals aged 12-24 through training programs and activities.
These will range from music, dance, sports and Esports, to podcasting, arts and crafts.
Rankin MP and federal treasurer Jim Chalmers said he knew the importance of “places for young people to enjoy”, particularly having grown up in Logan himself.
“Our primary focus as a government is to create more opportunities for more young people in communities like ours and local projects like this are vital to that aim,” Dr Chalmers said.
“This is about creating a space where young people in our community can come together, connect and feel comfortable and a prime example of the fantastic things we can achieve for our community when all levels of government work together.
“It’s fantastic to see the centre start to take shape and we’re really grateful to the workers who have put in such a big effort to make it what it is.”
A Dart & Co started construction in October last year, with only equipment installation remaining.
The centre will feature a multi-purpose court, “hang out” zone, rehearsal studio, dedicated First Nations space, technology space, multi-purpose area, commercial kitchen and laundry.
Local councillor Teresa Lane said local kids wanted a gaming hub, cooking space, indoor sports area, and a place free from bullying where they could “have fun” and get a hot meal.
She said parents wanted a safe place for their kids to go to after school, on weekends and school holidays that is affordable.
They wanted a safe place that keeps children “away from teen pressures and allows them to hang out in a supervised space and just be themselves”.
“With a limited budget and an empty building next to our library, we went out to our young people and parents in the community and asked what they imagined a Youth Centre would provide to the community and the answers were awesome and clear,” Cr Lane said.
“Council has gone out to EOI on the running of the centre and our ultimate program base will include mentors in the area of arts and crafts, traditional dance, music and podcast creative spaces, gaming and technology spaces, hangout areas and physical activities including basketball and other ball sports.
“Our aim is to engage local providers, community leaders and seniors to assist with the handing down of skills, support and let the kids guide the centre to its best fit for their needs.”
