Youth centre construction on schedule
Two-and-a-half months after construction began, the slabs have been laid, the frame erected, and the new headquarters of Port Hedland's Youth Involvement Council is tracking to finish on time, if not before.
Last week, project managers RFF reported Wightman Constructions was well ahead on construction, with earthworks, foundations and some framing completed at the Lawson Street site of the $11 million youth centre.
RFF director Owen Hightower said the bulk of the framing for the main buildings would be completed within two weeks, shaping the overall vision of the project.
Touring the 6000sqm site last week, when the project's three residential houses had frames and roofs, the scale of the project was clear.
Gone are the old, cramped youth centre and rambling basketball courts, and in their place is a layout for buildings which will be used for staff accommodation, a commercial kitchen, a workshop area, office space and a gallery area.
YIC chief executive Vicki-Tree Stephens said the $8 million contributed by BHP Billiton had made the vision for the organisation's new headquarters real.
She said the organisation also appreciated funding from the Pilbara Development Commission and Lotterywest.
"They understood the increasing pressure on our operations and the need to expand into a larger facility to maintain the integrity of our programs and broaden our services as Hedland continues to grow," she said.
"We intend the new HQ to become a central meeting place for community groups and business in Hedland to discuss improving the health and wellbeing of our at-risk youth.
"Improving the relationship between youth, community and business groups is fundamental to breaking down social barriers and perceptions that exist in our community … leading to a more inclusive community and prosperous future for many of the young people we support every day."
Ms Stephens said the organisation hoped to offer new programs, including some specific to those in the five to 10 age bracket.
"This includes the Communities for Children program which has been successfully operating in the West Pilbara for several years," she said.
