Ian Blayney MLA, City of Greater Geraldton Manager Community and Cultural Development Polly Banks, City Coordinator of Youth Development Jesse Steele, Deputy Mayor Neil McIlwaine and Shane Love MLA.

The Mullewa Youth Centre Precinct project will receive a big boost after securing a total of $176,709 in Lotterywest funding.

This grant will go hand-in-hand with the $150,000 that is already set aside for the project as part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s 2015/16 budget.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said that the Mullewa Youth Centre had been identified as a key facility that needed revitalisation.

“The Mullewa Youth Centre plays a crucial role in the community by providing a drop-in centre as well as offering recreational activities for young people in Mullewa and the surrounding areas,” he said.

“Being granted these additional funds ensures that the City can refurbish the facilities and turn it into a crowning jewel of the town.”

Works that were already planned include upgrades to internal and external walls, the roof and gutters, and the existing toilet. New flooring, air conditioning, kitchen cabinets, doors, windows and security screens will also be installed.

The Lotterywest funding allows for upgrades to the current skate park, BBQ area, additional seating, fencing, mini-football goals and an upgrade to the basketball court.

Refurbishment of the Mullewa Youth Centre was identified as the number one priority for Mullewa by the 10 Year Capital Works Plan Community Panel in 2013.

Last year the Mullewa Youth Centre precinct was accessed more than 6,200 times after school or on Saturdays by young people from Mullewa as well as the surrounding areas of Yalgoo and Pia Wadjari.

The refurbishment project is scheduled to be completed by the end of June.