New $33.5 million youth centre in development in Newman

Plans for the $33.5 million Newman Youth and Community Hub now under construction in the Pilbara town.

The remote Western Australian town of Newman is celebrating the construction of a new youth and family hub - the Newman Youth and Community Hub, a government-led project that will open up new avenues to many community organisations.

The $33.5 million centre will house everything from a library to a recording studio, sports facilitates and more. Councillor within the Shire of East Pilbara Lou Lockyer said the youth centre was one of the biggest infrastructure projects in recent years in Newman - and it would provide benefits for all ages - though young people was a vital focus.

Ms Lockyer, who worked in mining and now as a local health executive, said she could see the potential benefits across all aspects of the community from having a community centre that catered to people involved in sports as well as those more comfortable in a library.

She was not alone, with Newman Women’s Shelter Chief Executive Officer Arina Aiona among those touting the benefits of the centre.

“What is the big picture to help strengthen and build your community?”

Not just a youth centre, it has been promoted as a community hub, one that could play a role in keeping young people in the remote Pilbara town for longer, staying to raise families and participate in the region’s future.

Both Councillor Lockyer and Ms Aiona say it will become a place where social problems like domestic and family violence, alcohol and drug abuse can be tackled early with young people, to build a better future for the community.

Note: This article has been edited to amend inaccuracies regarding the Newman Youth and Community Hub funding.