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August 29, 2013
Issue 28
New youth and community centre for San Remo he Rudd Labor government has announced it will provide $2.7 million to build a new youth and community centre at San Remo.
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Minister for Human Services Senator Jan McLucas and member for Shortland Ms Jill Hall made the announcement on Monday, August 26, at the site where the new centre will be built in Brava Ave. “This is an excellent project for young people in the northern part of Wyong Shire,” Senator McLucas said. “It will be a worthwhile centre which will provide real and tangible services to help young people get the support, training and mentoring they need. “Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council submitted the proposal in partnership with the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre, Central Coast Medicare Local, Youth Connections, ET Australia and the local advisory group of Better Futures, Local Solutions. “Shortland MP Jill Hall has been a strong supporter of the project. “I congratulate Darkinjung and the other community partners on the excellent proposal and I thank Jill Hall for making sure these federal government funds
From left, Minister for Human Services Senator Jan McLucas, Chairman of Regional Development Australia Central Coast Mr David Abrahams, Federal Member for Shortland Ms Jill Hall, Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council CEO Mr Sean Gordon, and San Remo Neighbourhood Centre Manager Ms Jillian Hogan.
become available.” Ms Hall said the new centre will be a major boost for young people in the area. “The new centre will be an innovative learning hub for the area,” she said. “It will deliver community-based health care, training and skills
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development, and also community and cultural engagement. “There will also be an arts precinct to encourage local artists and cultural presentations, and also an iDialogue Cafe to help with digital connectivity. “Importantly, there will be broad consultation with youth groups
during the design and construction phase of the project. “A development application could be lodged with council by early next year. “The Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council made an excellent submission to government for this
project and I thank them for their vision and their work.” The new centre will be known as Gulgul Barang Youth and Community Centre. Gulgul Barang is from the Darkinjung language meaning “strong tomorrow”. It reflects the ethic of
supporting young people into employment through structured support, health, education, training and mentoring. The centre will be strategically located in Brava Ave near the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre and opposite Northlakes High School. It is within easy access of public transport and other local infrastructure. The land is owned by Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council. The Wyong local government area has one of the lowest school retention rates in NSW and one of the highest youth unemployment rates. About 54% of 25-34 year olds have completed year 12, compared to the national average of 75%. “This is therefore a much needed service in the northern area of Wyong Shire,” Ms Hall said. “Federal Labor is serious about investigating in local communities and helping people meet their full potential.” The funds for Gulgul Barang are from the Regional Development Australia Fund and are already included in the budget. Media release, 26 Aug 2013, Lisa McDermott, Office of Jill Hall MP
the Wyong Shire