OUT OF THE BOX: Activating youth spaces in the Clarence
Published on 01 June 2023
Clarence Valley Council's Out of the Box program has recently been reinvigorated at the purpose built youth boxes in Maclean and Yamba.
The program provides afternoon activities aimed at young people aged between 12 and 25. It is designed to provide a safe and respectful environment for young people to hang out, as well access information about available services.
CVC youth worker Darren Phillipson facilitates the sessions, which are held every Monday at Wherrett Park in Maclean and Tuesday at Yamba Skate Park between 3pm and 5pm. He said he was thrilled that numbers have continued to rise in recent weeks.
"It has been building each week, and last week we had 30 turn up at each venue for laser tag," Darren said. "But people also have the option to kick a footy or several other activities regardless of what has been organised for the week.
"We have some young people who have been coming every week and are so excited when they get here."
Clarence Valley Council youth worker Darren Phillipson engaging with youth in a game of laser tag at an Out of the Box activity session at Wherrett Park in Maclean.
Darren ensures the spaces are comfortable and welcoming, with shade, cushions, tables with arts and craft, music and light refreshments.
"For me, the biggest thing is that everyone is welcome," he said. "It's a space for young people to come and hang out with their peers, and meet new friends in a respectful, welcoming way.
"I'm not there to ask a million questions. I'm just there to provide that safe space, and if they need to have a chat, then that's what I'm there for. If I cannot provide them with the information they need, I can direct them to the service that can.
“We have all been watching the redevelopment of the Wherrett Park playground over the past few months and we are super pumped about it being a community space where everyone can play.
“Check out the exciting calendar of activities planned over the next month (below), and head down to one of the boxes and say g’day.”
Out of the Box sessions for JUNE
Wherrett Park, Maclean (all sessions 3-5pm):
- Monday 5th - Tie Dye Workshop
- Monday 19th - Woodburning Workshop
- Monday 26th - Graffiti Art Workshop
Yamba Skate Park (all sessions 3-5pm):
- Tuesday 6th - Tie Dye Workshop
- Tuesday 13th - Wearable Art Workshop
- Tuesday 20th - Woodburning Workshop
- Tuesday 27th - Graffiti Art Workshop
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