Makeover for South Sydney Youth Services

Mr Albanese said that the project would not only create jobs and stimulate the economy but it would make a difference to people’s lives, by bringing the Centre up to speed in terms of access.

Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek, said that the current building was in a “pretty appalling” condition.

The service operates in a converted amenities building that has two counseling spaces, two offices and a small kitchen. The upgrade will give the service a doctor’s office, three counseling spaces, a large meeting room and three work areas.

South Sydney Youth Services Director, Shane Brown, said that the redevelopment would provide space for an additional three workers and enable the service to increase its counseling capacity.

“The new building is going to make a big difference to the quality of the spaces and the ability to do quality counseling,” Mr Brown said. “It’s going to be a beautiful building that’s going to be environmentally sensitive.” The facility will also have a roof-top garden that will double the amount of counseling space available.

“A lot of community buildings are run down, are not specifically designed for the purpose that they’re used for, and so it’s rare that the Government or the Council take note of the concerns for that group and provide facilities that are appropriate and iconic, so we’re very happy that it’s happening,” he said.

The Federal Government will contribute $2 million to the upgrade, as part of its Community Infrastructure Program. The remainder of the $2.66 million project will be funded by $360,000 from South Sydney Youth Services and $300,000 from the City of Sydney.

Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said: “An improved facility will help South Sydney Youth Services deliver a wider range of services for young people in the area which will result in many positive social, cultural and community benefits. The new centre will incorporate a range of ecologically sustainable design principles including a green roof, water reuse, sustainable and recycled materials and passive cooling.”

Ms Plibersek said that this particular project, one of 3,000 funded through the Community Infrastructure Program across Australia, had special significance because of the important work carried out by the service. “It raises the status of this service to what it should be,” she said.

The construction process will take on 20 young trainees who will move on to other work sites once the project is finished.

South Sydney Youth Services will be based at Erskineville Town Hall while the renovations take place. The service expects to vacate the building in November, with construction to start in January next year and completed by November 2010.

Mr Brown said the community is welcome to comment on the plans for the building. They will be available online at www.ssys.org.au or by contacting him at South Sydney Youth Services.

Photo: Andrew Collis - Caption: Tanya Plibersek, Shane Brown and Anthony Albanese

Source: South Sydney Herald June 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au