‘A good start’: 24-hour youth centre trial begins in Alice Springs

Territory Families confirms 149 young people attended the 24-hour youth centre in Alice Springs on its first trial weekend

The rec room inside the 24-hour youth centre in Alice Springs

Minister for Territory Families Kate Worden has described the first weekend of the Alice Springs 24-hour youth drop-in centre trial as “a good start”.

“The first weekend of the trial saw 149 young people attend the youth drop in centre ... I am glad to see our young people using this facility; it is for them, to keep them off the streets and in a supportive environment,” Ms Worden said.

“We want our young people to know there is a place for them, this is why we are trialling the 24 hour hub at the Youth Outreach Re-engagement Centre.”

Staff at the centre confirmed the first weekend passed without any serious incidents.

It is understood no child protection referrals were made over the course of the weekend.

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Operations manager for Tangentyere Council’s Central Australian Youth Link Up Service Blair McFarland says it’s too early to know whether the centre is meeting its stated aims, but he says the measure of success is pretty straightforward.

“Basically, we’ll know it’s worked if the kids like it,” Mr McFarland said.

“As long as (Territory Families) can create a safe, friendly space, with a few rules but not too many, then it could be just what the community needs.”

Independent MLA for Araluen Robyn Lambley is also feeling positive about the trial.

“I think, generally, people are feeling quite optimistic about what the youth centre might do. I’ve spoken to a few people from within the youth work sector, but mainly it’s just the average Joe Blogs who thinks that it should make a difference,” Ms Lambley said.

“People just want to see the kids off the street at night. It’s as simple as that. And the government providing a safe place for kids to go at night is a step in the right direction.”

The Youth Outreach and Re-Engagement Team Hub near Anzac Hill began operating as a 24-hour youth drop-in centre on Friday and Saturday nights from 20 November.

It will begin operating as a 24/7 service for a trial period beginning at the December school holidays.