Federal Funding for Waterloo Youth Facility

The very worthwhile South Sydney Youth Services operates out of the facility, which is a converted former toilet block. Currently, it has a poor interior layout and limited connection to the park that does not allow the Service to directly engage with young people using Waterloo Oval and our skate park.

Council endorsed a preferred design for the $2.7 million project in November 2008. The proposal provides for a flexible and efficient office layout, a central courtyard to improve environmental performance, and a green roof to shroud the building in greenery.

The refurbishment works will include:

• a new kitchen and amenities;
• new paths, public seating, and landscaping works;
• proper insulation, increased storage, new floor and wall linings, new doors and windows and new furniture throughout; and
• upgrading and re-using existing hydraulic and electrical services where possible.

The refurbished facility will incorporate a specialist doctor service and counselling for amphetamine users, the first in NSW, and a counselling and family therapy with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

As the project proceeds, the City will consult with residents and South Sydney Youth Services to develop final designs. Construction is scheduled to begin in April next year.

Source: CLOVER'S eNEWS  - Friday 8 May 2009 - No. 446