The Territory Government has partnered with the City of Palmerston to establish a youth drop-in centre for young people in Palmerston.
The Palmerston Youth Drop-In Centre is an initiative under the Palmerston Youth Action Plan and the Territory Government's Breaking the Cycle of Crime in Palmerston plan.
The Palmerston Youth Drop-In Centre will be located at the City of Palmerston's Swimming and Fitness Centre at 31 Tilston Avenue, Moulden. Significant upgrades to the centre will be funded by the Territory Government, which will be investing $3.53 million in funding over three years to provide this service.
The centre will be fully supervised and include security and monitoring systems to ensure the safety of young people, staff members, the community, and businesses.
The Palmerston Youth Drop-In Centre will:
- Operate between 3pm-10pm Monday to Friday and from 10am-10pm on weekends and throughout the school holidays. Government is working with Larrakia Nation Youth Patrol to ensure that once the centre opens, young people will be able to get to a safe place after the centre closes each night
- Be a safe space for children and young people to access appropriate support services
- Provide youth engagement activities and supervision
- Ensure partnerships with local Aboriginal organisations and youth support services are established and maintained and provide a service for young people that is culturally safe
- Respond to young people with a focus on developing positive behaviours, social skills and living skills through organised activities at the centre
- Engage with young people, their families and support networks to address concerns and build their capacity to deal with everyday issues
- Work with a range of education providers and stakeholders to support young people to re-engage with education and provide information for young people to assist them to access services and support
A grant process will be undertaken to engage service providers to operate and manage the Palmerston Youth Drop-In Centre.
A tender process has been released today to complete the infrastructure works and fit-out of the centre, which is expected to open mid-2020.
As noted by Minister for Territory Families, Dale Wakefield
"The Territory Labor Government is creating safer communities by investing in youth services that will reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
"This is unlike the CLP who slashed youth services when they were in Government and will do it again if they get a chance."
Quote from Member for Drysdale, Eva Lawler
"The Territory Labor Government is investing in the people of Palmerston. The Palmerston Youth Drop-In Centre will engage young people in structured activities and keep them off the streets at night. This will have a positive impact on surrounding businesses."
As noted by Member for Brennan, Tony Sievers
"The new Palmerston Youth Drop-In Centre will benefit everyone in Palmerston, but especially the young people.
"The location of the new centre is ideal because of its proximity to services including public transport and schools. It also provides a safe space to engage young people outside of the Palmerston CBD."
As noted by Mayor of Palmerston, Athina Pascoe-Bell
"Council is focused on supporting the community's need for a dedicated space for young people, which offers sanctuary and promotes belonging, as outlined in our Community Plan.
"We are pleased to be working with the Northern Territory Government to make sure young people in our community feel safe and supported."
