A sod turning today has marked the start of construction on a $5.9 million purpose-built youth centre to support young people in Ellenbrook.
The Youth Centre is designed to engage those aged 12 to 25, with all elements of youth activity focusing on the health, wellbeing and development of young people.
It will also have a strong focus on connecting young people safely through both active and passive recreational spaces.
The centre will include hard courts for basketball and netball, playing fields, shaded places to sit and hang with friends, a creative studio, music studio, first aid room, laundry and cleaning facilities, and more.
The centre will also be connected to a range of community services such as counselling, financial advice and employment training. The construction of the centre forms part of the WA Recovery Plan stimulus package in response to COVID-19.
In addition to the McGowan Government's $1.86 million WA Recovery Plan investment, a further $2.05 million was invested through Lotterywest's COVID-19 Relief Fund, with the City of Swan contributing the remaining $2 million.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"I am pleased that the McGowan Government has made a significant investment in this exciting new facility, which will keep young Western Australians active, healthy and more connected with their communities.
"Sport and recreation is an integral part of Western Australian culture and we want to ensure the right facilities and programs are in place to maximise participation and involvement from a young age.
"Thanks to the City of Swan for getting this project off the ground."
As stated by Youth Minister Dave Kelly:
"We know that young people have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Youth Centre, along with the new train, will be transformational for the recreational and wellbeing opportunities for young people in Ellenbrook."
As stated by West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti:
"I welcome this commencement of works on the Ellenbrook Youth Centre.
"This has been a long time coming and it's great to see the initiative under way.
"Combined with our new Morley-Ellenbrook rail line, this will create new opportunities for our local kids."
As stated by Swan Hills MLA Jessica Shaw:
"As a local member, there's nothing more important to me than fighting for the services and facilities our kids need and deserve.
"We have so many young people in Ellenbrook. They deserve a dedicated place in the heart of our town.
"This is the most important commitment I have made to the community of Ellenbrook. We've had to work very hard to make it happen and I'm just so pleased to finally see it under way."
