Byron Youth Service

In a landmark decision at an extraordinary meeting held Thursday 18th June 2009, Byron Shire Council resolved to hand over management of the Byron Youth Activity Centre (YAC) to Byron Youth Service (BYS).

A one year sub-licence will be issued to BYS whilst it works with the Department of Lands to establish a Crown Reserve Trust over the building and amphitheatre to enshrine long-term community management of the facility.

BYS Chairperson, Sally Preston, said “This is a positive change for all involved, as it will enable the whole community to get behind the facility. We want to create the best youth activity centre in Australia, and believe that if it is community managed, then our community will pitch in to help make it fantastic!”

BYS will be honoring all previous bookings and planned activities, including councils new arts program, as well as seeking partners to support more after hours activities for young people at the YAC. Existing partners at the YAC, the Uncle Project and the Byron Community Campus, will remain a key part of YAC activities.

Di Mahoney, recently appointed as the Director of BYS, acknowledged the unanimous decision made by Byron Shire councillors, and is looking forward to working with young people, their families, local businesses and other community groups to develop the best YAC in Australia.

In other exciting news for BYS an additional $80,000 in funding was announced last week after the Minister for Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs decided to continue supporting youth enterprise projects in Byron Shire.

Upcoming programs at the YAC include “crazy for fashion”, barista training, art workshops, boxation and hip hop music. BYS staff can also assist young people in need of advice or referral on housing, health, family, schooling, and training issues.

BYS has also recently reduced the use of potable (mains) water by harvesting, storing and using rainwater in toilets and hand basins at the YAC as part of a $49,350 national community water grant project.

The BYS team can be contacted on 6685 7777. BYS staff are available at the YAC Mon-Fri 9.00 – 4.30, so pop in and check out the facility and get into what’s on offer.

Mullumbimby Year 9 Youthlinx Girls win the youth section of the 'Wish you Were Here' postcard competition!

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