CLP Youth spokesman Josh Burgoyne calls for Casuarina youth hub to ‘go back to drawing board’

A youth hub promising arts, music and sports after-school and holiday programs is under threat, with the CLP challenging its proposed location.

The SHAK Youth Hub, run by Anglicare NT and CAAPS Aboriginal Corporation, is currently set to move into the old Casuarina Fire Station site on Rowling St.

The Opposition has committed to revising plans for a safe space for kids in Casuarina, putting arts, music and sporting programs at risk.

The government announced a $10.5m investment for a ‘purpose-built’ youth hub near the Casuarina shopping centre in May 2023.

The SHAK Youth Hub, run by Anglicare NT and CAAPS Aboriginal Corporation, is currently set to move into the old Casuarina Fire Station site on Rowling St.

Anglicare NT said it was planned to be a “safe hangout for all kids” where they could “play, learn and feel safe”.

However, Opposition Youth spokesman Josh Burgoyne has called for the youth centre plans to “go back to the drawing board” over its location, claiming the centre was too close to homes.

The CLP has tabled a petition of 90 signatures claiming that the community did not support the proposed location.

However only two Casuarina addresses were actually on the petition, with around 40 per cent of signatures actually from Palmerston residents.

Mr Burgoyne said residents had a “right to be concerned” about the youth hub, which is expected to run arts, music, dance, sports and other youth-engagement programs.

“Labor has no plan to address disengaged youth or youth crime, which is why they continue to throw money at problems instead of dealing with the root causes,” he said.

Opposition Youth spokesman Josh Burgoyne has called for the youth centre plans to ‘go back to the drawing board’. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Anglicare NT community services director Jemma Wood said the proposed Casuarina hub was the “ideal location” for young people aged eight to 18.

“To maximise impact, youth centres need to be easily accessible; close to public transport, and easy to find,” Ms Wood said.

“The evidence is overwhelming that youth centres are very successful in keeping young people at school or re-engaging young people back into education or training.”

“We believe SHAK and programs like it are a vital piece of the puzzle in preventing crime.”

Youth Minister Ngaree Ah Kit said the petition tabled to parliament was “a demonstration of the contempt the CLP have for youth”.

Youth Minister Ngaree Ah Kit said the petition tabled to parliament was ‘a demonstration of the contempt the CLP have for youth’. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“(We have) great faith in our youth and are proud to support them to develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to become the Territory’s next leaders,” Ms Ah Kit said.

She said the hub was a result of extensive consultation, including with the wider community, and the location would allow for an “accessible and a state-of-the-art facility”.

Mr Burgoyne also accused Labor of not consulting with the Darwin Men’s Shed before they were “booted out”.

However shed president Brain Harvey said they knew they were moving as early as 2019 after receiving funding to build their own “purpose-build” shed in Marrara, but this was delayed by Covid.

He said while the false starts and delays were a “costly little exercise”, the organisation has a shed in Coconut Grove until their permanent home opened.