Geraldton Youth Centre officially opens, offering space for connection, creativity & community support

Young people in Geraldton now have a new space to connect, create and grow with the grand opening of the Geraldton Youth Centre on Thursday. The facility at 103 Pass Street, right next to the PCYC and across from the Aquarena and Wonthella Skate Park, was designed to support local youth through activities, recreation, arts, leadership opportunities and community events. It features a fully equipped multi-use sports court with scoreboard, netting, padded walls and spectator seating, along with CCTV security and a flexible space for workshops, training programs and events. It will also serve as a permanent venue for the city’s long-running School Holiday Program. The $1.5 million project was made possible by a $950,000 Lotterywest grant, with the City of Greater Geraldton contributing the remaining $570,000 to buy the former Club Rocky’s Gym. Extensive refurbishment works were carried out by Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets. In his opening address at the event, mayor Jerry Clune said the centre was “more than just bricks and steel”. “It’s a place where the youth can come together to belong, to participate and to grow,” he said. “This centre is the result of countless meetings and knowing when the right opportunity will finally come along. “We finally have a modern facility dedicated to help and shape our future generations.” Mr Clune said the location in the Wonthella Sporting Precinct was ideal. “Our goal is to foster a dynamic environment that supports youth development and community-based initiatives, in alignment with the city’s current Youth Strategy,” he said. State MLC Sandra Carr praised the city’s proactive approach to youth engagement. “One of the reasons I’d really like to congratulate the council is for taking proactive steps in engaging young people and recognising that the key to keeping our young people out of harm’s way is to find ways for them to be engaged, rather than to be punitive,” she said. “The centre is thoughtfully established, being well-located amongst other youth facilities, and allows young people to feel both welcomed and valued.” Information about upcoming activities, programs or how to hire the space is available on the City of Greater Geraldton’s website.