Youth Club's Homework and Learning Centre Gets a Kick-Start

Lismore District Police Citizens Youth Club is about to make a start on its Homework and Learning Centre following a donation by local businesses at Southern Cross University's Open Day on the Lismore campus earlier this month.

A number of community organisations and local businesses attended the Open Day, providing information to prospective students and demonstrating their services.

The Lismore District Police Citizens Youth Club also held a number of demonstrations on the day and local businesses were so impressed a quick whip-round yielded $250 with key contributors being Harvey Norman, Lismore Unlimited and Shaw's Office Supplies.

The money was to go toward a new work bench, but Southside Pharmacy, which also attended the Open Day, and hires out sport and rehabilitation equipment, decided to donate the workbench.

Branch Controller of the Club, Snr Const Bill Pearce, said the $250 would now be used toward getting the club's Homework and Learning Centre started.

"We want to fit out one of the rooms at the clubhouse with computers, and a few computer games, and we're hoping that more of the local businesses will assist to get this project off the ground," he said.
 
"We have around 450 members in the club but a lot of the kids who use the facilities come from disadvantaged backgrounds and don't have a computer at home for their school studies."

Southern Cross University's Community Relations Coordinator, Sue Clifford-Loomes said the University was happy to be able to provide the link between the local businesses and the Lismore District Police Citizens Youth Club.

"A number of the University staff and graduates also work regularly at the Club as accredited volunteers," she said.