BackTrack Youth Works in Armidale has welcomed a $45,560 funding boost to go towards a much needed kitchen upgrade.
General Manager, Core Program and Wellbeing at BackTrack Tara Sherlock said they appreciated the support from the State Government and that it would help achieve their core values.
“Belonging is absolutely central to our work and Warrah creates that sense of belonging and family for our young people,” said Ms Sherlock.
“The new kitchen will be a learning and collaborative space as well as making Warrah fit for purpose for growing independence and mastery among our kids.”
Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan said BackTrack has a well-earned reputation for supporting local kids and keeping them on the straight and narrow, and the new kitchen would be a welcomed addition to their residential home for vulnerable young people.
“This is terrific news for BackTrack which will support the increased capacity at Warrah and provide many vulnerable young people with shelter, safety and nutritious meals,” Mr Moylan said.
“The Warrah kitchen is very dated, and the grant will go towards the manufacture and installation of cabinetry and bench-tops, plumbing, tiling and electricals, and the construction of a walk-in pantry.”
Mr Moylan said the renovated kitchen would help kids learn the basics of running a household, being part of a family and living independently.
“Increased bench space will help create a collaborative space for family cooking and gathering and working together as a group,” he said.
“Kids will continue to develop and fine-tune their cooking skills, which is an everyday necessity for living a healthy and productive life.”
Local contractors will be engaged for the project, and it is anticipated the new kitchen will be completed within 6 months.
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