The Minns Labor Government is building community spaces where women and girls feel safe and welcome through the Safer Cities program, with Morisset's Bernie Goodwin Park officially opening.
The NSW Government's initial investment of $35 million into the Safer Cities program helps improve safety in public spaces across the state.
Lake Macquarie teenage girls were asked what would make them want to spend more time in public spaces, and their ideas have now become reality with upgrades to Bernie Goodwin Park.
The Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) teamed up with teens from Morisset and surrounds to co-design the space.
Through creative workshops, they shared what makes public places feel safe, inclusive and fun.
Their suggestions, including social seating to connect with friends, comfortable hammocks to relax and unwind, inlaid trampolines and attractive gardens, have now been delivered to create a vibrant hangout where teens can feel safe to connect and relax.
This co-design process gave local girls the chance to shape a space that reflects their needs and benefits the broader community.
Located close to a high school, transport, shops and sporting facilities, the park is set to become a popular gathering place for young people and a welcome addition to the local area.
This new public space is now open to everyone alongside Bernie Goodwin Park Playground on Newcastle Street, Morisset.
Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:
"A government's strength is shown in how it unites people and that begins with giving our young people places to connect.
"When we invest in spaces where teenagers can gather safely and confidently, we're not just improving our communities, we're also strengthening the future that they will one day lead.
"I'm proud to help create welcoming local spaces, just like Bernie Goodwin Park, that draw teenagers out from behind screens and into the heart of their communities, where real connections can flourish."
Minister for Women and Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:
"Teenage girls have told us they need public spaces where they feel safe and welcome to hang out with friends.
"This park demonstrates that by listening to their voices and acting on their ideas, we can create spaces where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves.
"Projects like this are important - they create spaces that feel safe, welcoming and designed with local girls in mind."
Independent Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper MP said:
"Including local girls in this design process not only demonstrates their voices have been heard, but is integral in creating a space where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves.
"It's important that outdoor spaces are attractive to all our young people and provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
"I congratulate the local students and HCCDC on their successful collaboration and the wonderful space they have created."
HCCDC Chief Executive Valentina Misevska said:
"It was a real privilege for HCCDC to work with such an engaged group of girls, and to see them involved in the urban design process. Their ideas have shaped this space into something special that they can now enjoy."
"These additions complement the existing playground, the skate park and the sporting fields to create an inclusive and complete recreational space for the whole community."
