Refurbished Upper Hunter Youth Centres Reopened

THE Upper Hunter Youth Centres have reopened their doors this week.

Scone, Murrurundi and Merriwa centres have been refreshed and are welcoming back the youth of the shire to their Tuesday and Friday sessions.

Mary Spora Youth Services Manager said centre facilities have been upgraded during the COVID-19 break, including renovations to the Scone hall, located behind the youth centre.

“The hall has been completely refurbished, with a new window and nice airconditioning,” Ms Spora said.

“It can be used when people come to Scone,  it’s a great space,” she said.

“Murrurundi, our busiest centre, also needed a facelift so over the break we had people help renovate the bathroom, create a big cupboard, repaint and tidy it all up,” she said.

The break also allowed staff to complete online training, gaining better resources to further equip them to support young people.

“Youth workers have worked hard during the break, completing online training on dealing with issues relevant to young age groups,” Ms Spora said.

“The staff have a heap of skills on identifying issues and talking to people, so they’ve just taken that time to learn about more issues relevant to young people,” she said.

“They’ve got better resources in helping kids, as well as providing that safe space,” she said.

“The centres are primarily a great safe space for kids to hang out, with stringent rules and no tolerance for antisocial behaviour,” said Ms Spora.

Examples of support provided by the youth centres:

• Assistance in getting a job, writing a resume and practicing interview skills
• Support with coping with school including exams, bullying and other stressful situations
• Advice and referral to services, including mental health – if you are feeling stressed or under pressure, youth workers can put you in touch with people who can help
• One to one support and life skills groups, when you need someone to listen

 Staff at the youth centres will be waiting to welcome all of their existing members back and invite any new members that would like to join them, to come along to the relevant sessions below.

Session details:

Scone Youth Centre
Tuesday 16 June and Friday 19 June
4pm – 6.30pm
Please call 0417 287 540 for details

Murrurundi Youth Centre
Tuesday 16 June
5pm – 7:30pm (10-11 years)
Friday 19 June
5pm – 7:30pm for (12-17 years)
Please call 0438 437 082 for details

Merriwa Youth Centre
Friday 19 June
4pm – 7.30pm
please call 0428 971 208 for details

Email: youthservices@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

Facebook links:
Merriwa Youth Centre, Murrurundi Youth Centre, Scone Youth Centre, Upper Hunter Youth Council