Funds for youth project

AN after hours youth workers project will continue to provide vital support to young people in the Shellharbour area courtesy of $70 000 in state government funding.

Member for Shellharbour Lylea McMahon said the project was designed to work with young people aged 9 to 18, in an effort to keep them connected with their community.

"This is an innovative project that involves a number of youth services in providing an after hours youth outreach service in the Warilla area," Ms McMahon said.

"It helps young people engage with the local community by linking them with support services and activities."

She said the program allows for a passive approach to be taken, to effectively engage with young people in their own environment.

The program has helped reduce the number of young people involved in anti-social activities in the Warilla area, according to Ms McMahon.

She said a further 12 months funding was made available after the project demonstrated great results.

"As a result of the funding, improved initiatives can continue with the successful support of a youth outreach worker. This support person already attends Lake Illawarra High School, Stockland Shellharbour and other places where the local youth are known to gather and socialise," Ms McMahon said.

Shellharbour City Council runs the project.

A delegation visited Minister for Lands Tony Kelly to discuss Killalea, after showing the minister the group provided petitions to Sylvia Hale, Greens MLC. Included in the group was Ben van der Wijngaart of the Kiama Greens, Mairi Petersen of community group SPACE, Mark Paloff representing a union, local surfer Chris Homer, Save Killalea Alliance spokesperson Sonya McKay, local surfer Andrew Keeling and Aboriginal Elder Uncle Reuben Brown