More than $665,000 in NSW Government funding will strengthen youth services and Aboriginal early childhood support in Glen Innes, with Council securing two major funding commitments aimed at long-term community wellbeing.
Glen Innes Severn Council confirmed it has received $387,359 in renewed funding to continue and expand The Youth Booth through to 2031, alongside $278,117 over five years to establish a new Aboriginal Supported Playgroup for families in Glen Innes and Wytaliba.
Mayor Margot Davis said the funding would deliver a significant boost to services that support young people and families at key stages of their lives.
“This funding secures the future of The Youth Booth and the work it does with young people in our community,” Mayor Davis said.
“It allows Council to keep building programs that give our youth a safe place to belong and the support they need to thrive.”
The Youth Booth is a well-loved local youth service, voted Best Youth Service in last year’s New England Times Best in the New England awards, and was also a finalist in the statewide Local Government Awards for Best Youth Program.
The renewed agreement represents a more than threefold increase in annual funding for The Youth Booth, rising from $22,064.59 to $70,428 per year. Council said the service provides culturally safe, trauma-informed support designed to increase social participation and reduce risk factors that contribute to family vulnerability.
The expanded funding will allow Council to strengthen existing programs and respond more effectively to emerging community needs.
In a separate funding commitment, Council has secured support to establish a new Aboriginal Supported Playgroup, delivering culturally grounded early childhood support for Aboriginal children aged from birth to five years and their families.
“This program will create a welcoming space where Aboriginal families feel respected, connected, and supported,” Mayor Davis said.
“It’s about strengthening culture, strengthening families, and giving children the best possible start in life.”
Council said the playgroup will provide weekly sessions focused on play-based learning aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework, strengthening parent-child relationships, and connecting families with additional supports when required.
Recruitment is now underway for a Casual Aboriginal Supported Playgroup Facilitator to lead the sessions, with preference given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants in recognition of the importance of lived experience and cultural knowledge.
General Manager Bernard Smith said the role offered an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community.
“We’re looking for someone who brings strong cultural knowledge, community connection, and a passion for supporting families,” Mr Smith said. “This is a meaningful opportunity to help shape a program that celebrates culture and supports children to thrive.”
Mayor Davis said the combined funding would have a lasting impact across the region.
“These investments will have a lasting impact on our community,” she said.
“They give us the resources to deliver high-quality, culturally safe services that support families today and build a stronger, more connected Glen Innes Severn for the future.”
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