Group is back after a hiatus

The Wickham Youth Group kicked off a new program of activities with Wickham Wonderchef on Thursday night. The youth group is back up and running, after almost two months away due to staffing shortages. In the first of the weekly cooking workshops, young people cooked Mexican burritos from scratch, before tucking into the healthy dinner with friends.

Wickham Youth Group administrator and development co-ordinator Kirsty Levi said the workshops taught young people important life skills and healthy eating. “In the near future I’m going to get them to sit down and plan a menu and plan a budget,” she said. “So they realise the $20 they spent elsewhere on fast food will feed a whole family a good meal.” Ms Levi said such programs would help increase students’ concentration in school.

The Wickham Youth Group rooms in the old high school building have also received a makeover. The headquarters now have a coffee shop vibe, with couches, cafe-style tables and chairs, and a coffee machine on its way. Ms Levi said the changes came after the group consulted community and young people in the region about their needs and wants. “Feedback has highlighted that there is a lack of amenities for high school aged youth in the region,” she said. “Wickham is a very sporty town so at the weekend the youth just want somewhere to chill out, some have even said like the cafe in Home and Away.’” Ms Levi said she wanted to create a space where young people could relax, listen to music, and hang out with friends.

Wickham Youth Group is now open from 8pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays for young people aged 12 years and older only.