Construction of the Youth Arts Warehouse


Regional Youth Support Services, Gosford

102 RYSS 1The geographic dispersal of the NSW Central Coast means that many young people suffer the effects of isolation on low income. The little affordable entertainment that exists is generally inaccessible by public transport, especially outside weekday business hours.

“We need more activities for young people to be involved with during the day. A lot of people have dropped out of school and haven’t got anywhere to go. There’s not much to do, so they end up hanging round the shops and getting in trouble from shop owners”. – Shona, 19 years old, Gosford.

A unique local partnership in Gosford enabled a youth facility to be upgraded to provide a Youth Arts Space: a large music venue, sound recording studio and arts studio space with disabilities access. The construction took five years of consultations, lobbying and submissions – as well as practical work – from youth agencies in partnership with local Rotary clubs and businesses. A video survey was conducted among young people in the region to find out how the space could best meet their needs.

“Training our older young people up into peer educators has really enhanced their self esteem and their feeling of contribution to the community. They’ve gone from being clients to being peer educators and volunteers at the service. It’s about making them feel valued and recognising the skills that they have”. – Glenys Tory, Youth Worker

What worked in the Youth Arts Warehouse partnership?

  • All partners had a clear and common purpose.
  • The partnership involved community minded people with business influence and know-how;
  • It connected partners to the positive outcomes for young people; and
  • There was active youth participation.

102 RYSS 2

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