Council has endorsed a plan to repurpose the former Avalon Customer Contact Centre for community use, with a focus on supporting young people. 

Council intends to offer the space to the Burdekin Association to expand on the existing services the Avalon Youth Hub provides at Avalon Recreation Centre.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the move opens-up new opportunities for the community at a time when young people are facing increasing challenges.

“Offering this space to not-for-profit community organisations will have an incredible impact on the health and wellbeing of our community and will really be put to better use in serving our residents,” Mayor Heins said.

“Avalon Youth Hub provides a wonderful service to young people and their families. Access to this facility will help them expand their services at a time when we are seeing an unprecedented rise in mental health conditions, isolation and online bullying.” 

The closure of the Avalon Customer Contact Centre late last year followed an extensive review of the viability of customer service centres. 

Following an extensive Expressions of Interest process, Council has endorsed a proposal to enter into a community licence agreement with the Burdekin Association as the auspice of the Avalon Youth Hub.

Avalon Youth Hub offers free counselling, case management, mentoring, advice, referrals and general support to young people in Pittwater. They also provide workshops and information sessions for the broader community.

The Burdekin Association was selected from one of four applications received. As part of the process, applicants had to demonstrate that their use of the facility will increase health and wellbeing of the Northern Beaches community.