Locals abuzz about launch of new Harvey youth space

There will be table tennis, PlayStations and kids discos at Harvey’s new youth space which opens next month.

The facility occupies two buildings in the piazza in the heart of town and will provide children aged from 12-17 with a “safe place”.

Project manager Janine Quicke said she was delighted to get the keys to the facility last week and could not wait to get the ball rolling.

“Everyone is so excited, we have partnered with some great organisations like the Local Drug Action Group, the Harvey shire, Harvey High School and the Harvey Police,” she said.

Mrs Quicke said the space would have computers and iPads for students to complete homework, beanbags and TVs in the quiet zone, a recreation room filled with activities and a kitchen.

“We are hoping to get the children to learn how to cook and sit down at a table together for meals.

“A lot of kids in the area may not have a place to go and this will be something they can call their own.

“ It will be such a fantastic resource, especially in a regional town.”

Youth mentor Corrine Brislin said she was proud to be involved.

“It will be a great place for kids to just hang out,” she said. “It will also be somewhere where they can be educated about drugs and alcohol.”

An open day will be held in the coming months. Youth mentors aged between 18 and 25 are encouraged to apply to volunteer at the centre.