Youth Shack to move to new premises

The successful Narrabri Youth Shack initiative, launched several years ago by a small group of enthusiastic supporters, has become well established as a valued organisation for young people.

The Youth Shack offers a place for young people to meet, enjoy shared recreation hours and find mentoring and support.

Panton Cottage has been home to the Youth Shack for several years but now the Shack is to move to new and larger accommodation.

NSW government funding of $62,397 has now been provided to develop a spacious area of the ground floor of The Crossing Theatre for Youth Shack activities.

Panton Cottage will be preserved – relocated to a new site pending a decision on its future use.

The cottage was named in honour of the late Ross Panton who virtually built the premises himself.

The original use of the cottage was as Narrabri Shire’s Visitor Information Centre.

When the tourism office was relocated to the adjacent former Cotton Centre,and following approaches from Youth Shack supporters, Panton Cottage became the Youth Shack HQ.

The ground floor of The Crossing Theatre is currently used as Narrabri Shire Band’s practice space.

“Council intends to use the funding received to renovate the existing space below The Crossing Theatre to become a purpose built Youth Shack facility, Narrabri Shire Band room and Crossing Theatre storage space,” a council spokesperson said.

“As the space, in its current state, is already used for band and storage purposes, the main focus of this project is completing a youth focused facility which will be utilised by Narrabri youth, and youth of the Shire, under the guidance of volunteers from the Narrabri Youth Shack.

“Council intends to create a new, modern and inviting space for the Narrabri Youth Shack as part of the ground floor section of The Crossing Theatre.

“The new space will have modern amenities including updated air-conditioning, toilet facilities, kitchenette and sound-checked internal walls, as well as furniture.

“The space will be configured to be ‘user friendly’ and functional, encouraging visitation by young community members.”