News

Anglicare WA will start working from Bunbury’s landmark waterfront youth precinct, Koolambidi Woola, from tonight as part of a new project to activate the space and foster greater connection with young people.

Under the collaboration between Anglicare WA and the City of Bunbury, three youth engagement officers will work from the precinct on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3pm until 7pm, from tonight until April 17, 2024.

Young people aged from 12 to 25 are invited to take part in a range of activities, including pickleball, outdoor sports, painting, cooking and board games.

The Koolambidi Woola precinct incorporates a multi-sports court, parkour areas, mini golf, a beach climbing net, event and performance space, and a youth services building, from where Anglicare WA will operate the youth project.

Anglicare WA South West Service Manager Cathy Mills said youth engagement workers would provide opportunities for young people to engage with the state-of-the-art facilities at Koolambidi Woola and offer support and links with community.

As well as offering a range of engaging activities, the project provides an accessible and visual presence for young people to seek advice, guidance and support if they are experiencing hardship or mental health challenges.

“This is a really great opportunity for Anglicare WA to engage with community and young people at Koolambidi Woola over the next 20 weeks through fun, interactive activities that foster trust and social connection,” Ms Mills said.

“This partnership is about connecting young people to the space, but also connecting them to community so they know what services are out there if they need some extra support.”

Koolambidi Woola, which translates to ‘celebrating young people’, is Bunbury’s first youth precinct. It opened to the public at Luciana Park in July.

It was named Park of the Year at the Parks and Leisure Australia 2023 Regional Awards of Excellence, and won the Playspace Award for projects valued at more than $500,000.