By Natalie Gallenti
BRIMBANK Council’s contract with YMCA to deliver services to the city’s youth will cease as of next year.
The council has decided to resume direct delivery of programs and services for young people from 2011, ending a seven-year contract with the YMCA. And it has denied speculation the decision was financially based.
Chair of Brimbank administrators Peter Lewinsky said the council recognised the integral role youth played in the community – and said it was committed to provide opportunities for young people who contribute to the development of healthy, well connected and resilient younger people.
“To support this, council recently developed a Youth Policy and Action Plan, which details council’s key directions and priority areas in the coming years. The Youth Policy and Action Plan 2010–2014 also provides local responses to changes in policy at Commonwealth and State Government levels,” Mr Lewinsky said.
“The draft plan had been released for community comment until 19 November and council will consider feedback before the final plan is endorsed.
General Manager Community Wellbeing Kelly Grigsby said it was the intention of council to continue to expand the service through local collaboration and partnerships with other youth service providers in Brimbank.
Executive officer of the YMCA Mal Healey said the organisation would work with the council and hoped the transition would be as smooth as possible.
Brimbank Youth Services will continue to be delivered from the Youth Access Centre at 90 Taylors Rd, St Albans, and at the Visy Cares Hub in Sunshine.
