Exciting news for Lake Cargelligo! The Royal Mail Hotel is about to get a fresh new start— transformed into a lively community hub where young people can build their skills, connect with mentors and where the community can gather for events.
Thanks to the generosity of a private donor, this incredible project is being led by grassroots charity Down the Track, which has been supporting young people in Lake Cargelligo and Murrin Bridge for a decade.
Thanks to the generosity of a private donor, the historic building will be revitalized into a vibrant space for young people and their community.
The organisation plans to transform the space into a safe and welcoming hub boasting a range of features and programs that benefit young people and the broader community.
The hub aims to include:
A training and employment space where young people can gain hospitality and business experience
A gathering place for community events, youth programs and cultural activities
A support hub where young people can access mentoring, health services and job readiness programs
Potential for a social enterprise cafe, ensuring long-term sustainability while providing hands-on training opportunities.
Down the Track CEO Larn Masterson is thrilled about what this project will mean for the community:
“We believe in our young people and want to help them achieve their dreams. This new hub will give them the tools, training, and confidence to build great futures while creating something special for the whole community.”
“Supporting young people by developing important life skills and access education and training so they can get good jobs is critical to ensuring that no young person is left behind.”
Down the Track is seeking input from the local community to co-create the future space. A community consultation session will be held in April.
“This new community hub is a truly transformative opportunity for the whole community, so we are keen to get input from residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders to help shape the vision for the space,” Ms Masterson said.
“We all want to see our young people thrive and go on to make meaningful and positive contributions in their community.
“We look forward to this old hotel transforming into a vibrant community asset that will enable that to happen.”
Lachlan Shire Councillor Paul Phillips (who has served as a Council member for 25 years) said: “It will be such an asset for the community to have a hub for all the community to use. It is a booster for the whole town and honestly the best thing to happen in the last 10 years. I would like to congratulate Down The Track and also the private donor and wish both parties all the best.”
Press Release (The Shape Agency).