Youth Centre and Youth Services
Welcome to the Bland Shire Youth Centre
Opened on April 11, 2024, the Bland Shire Youth Centre is a vibrant and inclusive space dedicated to supporting the young people of our community. Located right next door to the Bland Shire Council offices at 10 Shire Street West Wyalong, the Youth Centre offers a safe and welcoming environment where local youth can connect, grow, and develop their skills. Whether it's for recreational activities, personal development, or socialising with friends, the Youth Centre provides a range of programs and services tailored to meet the needs and interests of young people aged 12-25.
A Hub for Youth Empowerment
The Bland Shire Youth Centre is more than just a physical space—it's a hub for empowerment and personal growth. Through its programs, workshops, and events, the Centre offers youth the opportunity to engage in activities that build confidence, foster creativity, and encourage positive community involvement. From artistic expression and sports to leadership development and career skills workshops, the Centre is committed to providing young people with the tools and opportunities to succeed in life.
A Place for Connection and Fun
At its core, the Youth Centre is designed to bring young people together. It fosters a sense of belonging by creating a space where youth can build friendships, share experiences, and engage in meaningful activities. The Centre is a safe place where young people can explore their passions, access support, and feel valued by their community. It helps reduce isolation by providing an outlet for creativity, mental wellness, and social interaction.
The centre is equipped with a variety of entertainment options to ensure there's always something fun to do. Enjoy a friendly game on the ping pong table, challenge friends to board and card games, or relax in the outdoor relaxation area. Inside, there is a dedicated study area for those who want to focus on their education or complete schoolwork. For entertainment, the Youth Centre is equipped with a Virtual Reality PlayStation 5 and a smartboard, providing opportunities for gaming, learning, and interactive activities.
Fully Equipped for Convenience and Comfort
To make the Youth Centre a fully functional space, it includes kitchen facilities, as well as clean and accessible bathrooms. These amenities ensure the Centre is not only a place for recreation but also a comfortable and convenient environment for all who use it.
Supporting Local Youth, Strengthening Our Community
The opening of the Bland Shire Youth Centre marked a significant milestone for the community, as it demonstrates a strong commitment to youth well-being and the future of our region. By investing in the youth, we are investing in the future of Bland Shire. The Centre serves as a key resource for youth engagement, fostering leadership, collaboration, and empowerment that will continue to strengthen our community for generations to come.
Whether you're looking for a place to connect, relax, learn, or grow, the Bland Shire Youth Centre is here to help young people reach their full potential and contribute to the vibrant, thriving community we all share.
The Bland Shire Youth Art Mural
The Bland Shire Youth Art Mural was unveiled on January 24, 2025, the mural consists of nine vibrant art panels, each crafted by young participants under the guidance of renowned artist Emily Shannon. This year-long project, which began in January 2024, was made possible through the generous financial support of Evolution Mining, ensuring that the Youth Centre became not only a space for youth activities but also a canvas for self-expression. The mural was designed and created entirely by the youth, with each panel reflecting their personal stories, artistic skills, and deep connection to the community.
The mural is more than just a work of art—it's a symbol of youth ownership and empowerment, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. Through hands-on workshops, the young artists learned new techniques, developed their creative ideas, and collaborated on the final design. The mural has transformed the Youth Centre into a vibrant, welcoming space, and its bold, colorful panels are a testament to the power of art in uniting and inspiring the community. This project has not only beautified the Centre but also encouraged greater engagement from local youth, providing them with a lasting sense of ownership and pride in their shared space.
The Bland Shire offers various services to young people with the intention to entertain, educate and inspire them. The Shire offers a safe, friendly and laid back lifestyle with all the key educational facilities you require at your finger tips. We strive to develop the skills of our young people to benefit their future and the future of our community. Council’s Community Development Officer and Youth Officer work with other youth services, community volunteers and other passionate young people to deliver a vast array of events and programs to our young people.
Recreational and sporting facilities play a major role within the communities of the Shire. On offer are an array of beautifully maintained parks both within West Wyalong and the surrounding villages of the Shire. They are safe places in which community members can gather, relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Fitness, exercise facilities and walking tracks are also provided including a portable pump track that rotates throughout the village communities. Our parks and gardens are incredibly popular all year round and the community takes great pride in them.
West Wyalong also boasts a fully equipped library and an outstanding and highly popular aquatic centre. The Holland Park Swimming Pool features a Hydro Play area for children, waterslide, diving board, cafe and an Olympic sized swimming pool. A number of youth focused events are held at the pool each year. Ungarie has a new 25 metre swimming pool for the enjoyment of the community while the village of Barmedman is also home to the iconic mineral pool.
The Bland Shire is a proud and enthusiastic sporting community that prides itself on its social well-being and community spirit. Everybody has the opportunity to engage in a wide range of sporting and social activities with over 50 sporting and social clubs to choose from and a number of state of the art sporting facilities.