Dwellingup’s new youth space opened its door earlier this month, bringing activities, initiatives and programs to teenagers in the area.
Dwellingup Teenz, open to people aged 11 to 17, will operate from the Dwellingup Community Hall the first Friday of every month and will be coordinated by community member Colleen Warr.
Ms Warr also runs youth activities on Monday and Tuesday evenings at locations throughout Dwellingup to encourage the community’s young people to engage in activities outdoors.
“Dwellingup Teenz offers the local youth a safe venue to get out, hang out, make dinner together, play video and board games, enjoy a game of pool or several interactive sport activities thanks to the Shire of Murray’s Youth Kit, and addresses the town’s need for a productive outlet for this particular age group.,” Ms Warr said.
Murray Shire president Maree Reid remarked at the significance of the youth space for the community and the Shire’s Youth Strategy.
“The youth space is the start of a conversation with the younger Dwellingup residents which will direct the space, as well as future youth activities and events scheduled for Dwellingup,” she said.
“Dwellingup Teenz is exemplary of the feats that can be achieved, when the community and Shire work together to identify and address community needs.
“This milestone further demonstrates the dedication and commitment of our community members in ensuring the prosperity of their towns and the Shire is extremely fortunate to be working with Colleen on this project.”
Teenagers from across the area flocked to the Hall for the official launch of the hub on October 6.
The event featured plenty of live entertainment, including a workshop by circus company PulseWA.
Focusing on local youth
Since the release of the Shire of Murray Youth Strategy 2016 – 2020 in late November 2015, the Shire has implemented a number of youth initiatives throughout the region, including computer programming and theatre workshops, gaming youth zone events and virtual reality showcases.
Skateboard and urban art workshops have also been organised and school holiday bubble soccer and wheelchair basketball sports challenges have been held in partnership with the City of Mandurah’s Youth Development team.
The Night Hoops basketball program, Night Fields football program and the annual Street Chillz Drug Aware Youth Fest are also part of the strategy.
Earlier this year, the region also saw the creation of the myVoice Youth Reference group, made up of several Murray youths aged 11 to 25.
The group meets monthly and provides input into potential youth programmes for the district.
“The Shire of Murray recognises the importance of supporting young people and their families within our community,” Ms Reid said.
“Through our youth engagement activities and the deployment of this strategy, we aim to support, facilitate and deliver appropriate youth programs, services and spaces into the future.”
For further information about youth spaces and activities contact the Shire’s community development officer Trick Cole on (08) 9531 7777.
