City of Palmerston is proudly supporting Palmerston’s youth community by providing Palmerston and Regional Basketball Association (PaRBA) with free access to the Recreation Centre to deliver after school and school holiday activities. 

Council has been supporting the delivery of youth activities within the Palmerston Recreation Centre since 2017 and has approved an in-kind investment of $150,000 to extend this service delivery for another two years. 

This in-kind support allows PaRBA to operate a Youth Drop-In Sport program that helps young people feel safe and healthy by proving the opportunity to engage with peers through the activities on offer. Activities are tailored to meet each person’s needs and are designed to be fun and engaging. 

This vital service supports up to 100 participants daily on weekdays, or 23,000 visits annually.

Participants receive food and have access to showers, first aid and a telephone at their request to contact family or carers. Transportation at the end of activities is offered by Larrakia Nation to take participants home. 

Council provides the venue, including lighting and air-conditioning, at no cost and contributes to program planning. 

In addition to this support, Council provides two free storage cages for PaRBA to store all their equipment, a room to keep a fridge, free monthly hire of the Conference Room to conduct board meetings and use of the foyer for informal gatherings and office space. 

The Youth Drop-In Sport Program is delivered by PaRBA with the support of the Northern Territory Government. 

Quote from City of Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell

“This daily drop-in program aims to provide a positive, fun and safe environment for young people of all backgrounds to participate in sport and active recreation at no cost. 

We are proud to offer programs like this that helps to make Palmerston a safe and family friendly community where everyone belongs.” 

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