Published on Thursday, 28 November 2024 at 11:56:01 AM
As engagement for an inaugural Youth Strategy is nearing completion, the Shire of Denmark continues to work on the key community priority of delivering improvements to local youth services and facilities.
Now, McLean House is one step closer to returning to a youth focus on a regular basis, with Council this week agreeing to advertise a proposed lease of the building to Denmark Dance Company.
The proposed lease represents a fantastic opportunity for both the youth and ratepayer communities in the Shire of Denmark, with the Denmark Dance Company planning to run daily afterschool programs catering to a wide range of ages and abilities, but with a particular focus on youth.
McLean House has been subject to investigations into the viability of creating a new-look youth hub, with Denmark Shire President Kingsley Gibson saying Council believes this proposal hits the mark.
“This is a win-win situation where both our youth and ratepayers could see some fantastic results,” Cr Gibson said.
“If this proposal receives the necessary Ministerial consent, we could not only see regular afterschool programs hosted in McLean House, but we would also have the opportunity to formalise discussions about additional youth programs and events through a potential service agreement with Denmark Dance Company, who have already expressed a passion and interest in creating meaningful youth and community-friendly events and activities which will appeal beyond their core business of dance.”
It comes as the McLean Park precinct has undergone recent community and Shire investment with the creation of both beach volleyball courts and a pump track.
“With these community infrastructure investments, in combination with an injection of youth-focussed energy from the Denmark Dance Company into McLean House, future works to revitalise Berridge Park, and on-going inclusive programs at our Library and Recreation Centre, we are starting to see the future of wholistic youth-service and facility provision shaping up,” Cr Gibson said.
“I also want to acknowledge the important work of other local not-for-profits, organisations and businesses who are also delivering youth-focused programs. Working together, we can keep moving in the right direction to make sure our youth feel cared and catered for here in our Shire.”
As part of the proposed lease agreement for use of McLean House, the Denmark Dance Company will pay for and undertake renovation works, removing the requirement for the Shire to use ratepayer funds to address renovation requirements as was budgeted for in the current Corporate Business Plan.
The Shire’s inaugural Youth Strategy is expected to be presented to the community in draft form in the New Year.
Read the November Ordinary Council Meeting report and attachment here
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