The idea for a Copper Coast Youth Centre came about after a think tank process to address the best ways to engage youth in suicide prevention strategies.  The think tank involved representatives from a wide range of community sectors including education, health, police, mental health, sport, arts, ambulance, media and the LGBTI community.

The think tank suggestion was taken to Mayor Paul Thomas (pictured at the opening with SOS Copper Coast chairperson David Boots) who also had similar thoughts about a youth centre to support dis-engaged youth.  He was happy to assist in the establishment of the centre and after discussions with council ultimately offered a council owned building on a peppercorn lease.

The establishment of the Youth Centre was facilitated by many generous donations of furniture from the Copper Coast community, and grant funding was gained to purchase electrical products including entertainment items and kitchen products, as well as the establishment of a complete kitchen. The Copper Coast Youth Centre does not have alliances with any religious or political groups and is regarded as a homophobia and transphobia free zone. This allows for the acceptance of diversity in the community, so it’s open to all youth regardless of culture, colour, sexuality or gender.

Under the leadership of Moonta artist, Julie Cheshire, a large mural was designed and created on the inside backwall of the activity space.  It is based on the activities that members of the youth centre identified as things they like to do to ‘chill out’. It took two weeks to complete and the painting was done by Julie and the inaugural youth committee.