Drop in program back after successful pilot Barracks may become crisis accommodation

A POPULAR after-school recreation program for Eastern Shore children has returned for a second year, after last year’s pilot program was a huge success.

Designed to support kids’ transition from primary to high school, the Drop-in recreation program is held at the WarraneMornington Neighbourhood Centre after school on Mondays and is open to young people from grades 5-8.

The weekly event has become an opportunity for young people who attend different schools to establish and maintain friendships with people of the same age, outside of school or their regular after-school activities.

Young people can attend each week, or just drop in from time to time whenever suits them.

There are a variety of games and activities on offer but talking and catching up with friends is the highlight for many attendees, like 12-year-old Frankie Gillian of Warrane.

“People find it fun and entertaining, and we always find it disappointing when it’s time to go [home],” Frankie said. The program was started in consultation with the neighbourhood centre, and feeds into the Clarence City Council Youth Program’s early intervention strategy.

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said fostering the well-being of young people was important and he was proud of the success of the program.

“Getting out and building relationships is important for us all, especially young people who are going through big changes in their lives,” he said.

“Our Youth Program team are always looking for new ways to support and engage young people in Clarence and I encourage all parents and careers to get their kids involved in these positive programs.”

The Drop-in recreation program is based at the WarraneMornington Neighbourhood Centre, and runs after school each Monday from 3-4.30pm.

There is a similar program for ages 12-24 at the CCYS Rokeby Youth Centre from 3-4.30pm on Wednesdays.

To learn more about the programs offered by the CCYS team, go to the Facebook page or phone 6247 1230.

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Labor Senator for Tasmania Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme

Authorised by C Bilyk, ALP, 3/20 Channel Hwy Kingston

CLARENCE Mayor

Brendan Blomeley and Councillor Daniel Hulme met with Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite recently to discuss turning local Department of Defence land into crisis accommodation.

The former Army barracks and training depot in Clarence is surplus to Defence’s requirements and was offered to the Clarence City Council last July.

"Homelessness is a growing problem in the Greater Hobart area and, in partnership with the other two tiers of government, Clarence City Council is keen to play our part to ensure those most in need are safe with a roof over their heads,” Mayor Blomeley said.

Cr Hulme said the proposal is an exciting opportunity for all three levels of government to work together to address Tasmania’s housing crisis.

“Everyone deserves to have a safe and affordable place to call home,” Mr Thistlethwaite said, “but too many Australians experience housing insecurity or sleep rough every night.

“All levels of government together must be more ambitious to increase short-term crisis options and expand affordable supply.”

Clarence City Council is also in discussions with Homes Tasmania about the opportunities for the site.