Year-long youth project creates a new Community Corner for Raymond Terrace

THE intersection between William Street and Sturgeon Street in Raymond Terrace, where a fire station once stood, is now proudly hosting the new Community Corner, a place for residents to gather, enjoy activities and, most importantly, feel safe.

The Raymond Terrace Community Corner is the culmination of The Place Is Yours project, a youth-led initiative funded by a $50,000 Youth Opportunities Grant from the NSW Office for Youth that showcases the creativity and leadership of young people.

Created through a series of community working bees over the course of a year, this new space features seating created by the Men’s Shed, landscaping, creative artwork and even a tennis table.

On 18 June a celebration took place at the newly born corner bringing together locals, politicians and the young people that made the project possible.

“Today’s more than opening a new space,” Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson said.

“This is a place that demonstrates what can happen when young people are trusted to be part of the conversation.”

Some of the teenagers involved in the project told News Of The Area about their experiences, as well as their hopes.

Nikki Bradshaw, who painted some of the artwork, said that the corner provided a place where people could feel safe.

“The police station is right there, so you know you’re going to be safe hanging out here,” she said.

“There’s cameras, there’s always people around, and we’re in such a main part of the town.”

Peter Law, who worked hard on planting and landscaping, said that he would love to see the space being used to host parties.

Emma Rose, who also worked on the artwork, hoped that teens coming into the space would be able to have fun. “But also not wreck it at the same time, respect the place,” Ms Rose said. “We’ve put a lot of effort into it.”

By Nico LOMBARDO