Break in, theft and vandalism at the Middlemount Youth Centre

The Middlemount Youth centre has been the target of theft and vandalism, threatening a place of community for the township’s youth.

The Middlemount Youth Centre, run by volunteer group Middlemount Youth Support. Photo: contributed.

The Middlemount Youth Support Centre was the victim of a breaking and entering between the hours of 4pm on December 15 and 1:10pm on December 16.

The centre, which provides a safe and inclusive environment for the youth of the 1,800 person community, had its locks destroyed by unknown perpetrators in an effort to gain access to the building.

Middlemount Youth Support are a pillar of the Middlemount community, they host many events such as water balloon fights, skill development workshops and viewing parties for sports events like State of Origin.

They rely on the support of local businesses and donations from the community.

Middlemount Youth Support co-ordinators have also organised town hall meetings at their centre, where families and young people spoke out about the youth crisis and it’s contributing factors.

The Youth Centre hosts events such as their State of Origin watch party. Photo: contributed

“It’s disappointing.” a Middlemount Youth Support spokesman said.

“The Youth Centre is there to provide a fun and safe environment for our youth.

“Soft drinks were gone, money had been taken, parts of (the centre) had been vandalised and people had been smoking there.

“We have suspicions of youth involvement, which is disappointing for us,” he said.

The Youth Unmet Needs study, performed by the Isaac regional council found that one third of the young people living in Isaac spent most of their time alone, which many felt contributed to mental health issues and introduction to substances like alcohol or drugs.

The Middlemount Youth Centre is one of three youth centres in Issac which seeks to provide children and teenagers with social interaction outside of school.

“It’s disappointing to see this happen right at the start of school holidays,” said candidate for Mayor and current Deputy Mayor of Isaac Kelly Vea Vea.

“As Mayor, I intend to facilitate a youth summit within 12 months.

“We will collaborate with the young people of Isaac and our community leaders to discuss how we can meet their unmet needs.’’

Queensland Police have found no witnesses to the break in and no suspicious vehicles were reported near the scene at any time during the time frame they’ve laid out.