Geraldton’s old Club Rocky’s Gym set for refurbishment into youth centre following Lotterywest funding

The city’s planned youth centre was boosted last week by an almost $1 million injection from Lotterywest. The City of Greater Geraldton received the $954,221 grant to help deliver a youth centre in Wonthella, proposed at the old site of Club Rocky’s gym. The building was purchased by the city more than two years ago, with the site flagged to be a youth hub. The funding is set to help deliver a multi-use sports court with a spectator area, and a multifunctional space for meetings, workshops and presentations. Mayor Jerry Clune said having a built-for-purpose facility for youth was important. “The Geraldton Youth Centre will be a dedicated space and safe environment for younger members of our community to engage in diversionary sports and recreation activities along with training programs,” he said. “City staff have been running youth programs for years including the popular School Holiday Program and once the centre is open, they will finally have a dedicated facility to host their programs and activities. “I’d like to thank Lotterywest for their generous grant funding of this long-awaited and much-needed centre.” Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said she was proud to help support programs dedicated to young people. “I am very pleased to present $954,221 of Lotterywest support for the youth centre refurbishment,” she said. “This is a much-needed project, and it will have a significant impact on our Geraldton youth and the broader community, by enabling young people to connect, learn and engage in a refurbished fit-for-purpose space.” Local contractor GBSC has been tasked with overseeing the refurbishment. The council put aside $1.5 million for the project in the 2024-25 budget. Upgrades are expected to be completed in June next year.