Millicent Spencer
Banksia Gardens Community Centre is set to roll out a range of new free after-school programs.
The not-for profit community organisation is based in the heart of Broadmeadows and services young people in the area.
Community Centre youth justice and community support coordinator Paul Atkinson said there are a couple of hundred children registered in the after-school program which will now be offered five days a week.
“We’re changing up how we are doing the after-school program, upping it from three days to five days, so we have something for kids [most] days of the week,” he said.
“For some of the kids the alternative to getting involved in the activities we run, is getting involved in anti-social activity.
“We have a physical attendance of about 50 kids each day, who are mainly primary and high school students.”
Mr Atkinson said the role of the after-school program is to support students who may not have someone at home to assist them.
“Some parents English language skills aren’t great and for others their parents aren’t involved,” he said.
“This area can be a tough place to live, so having extra supportive adults in their lives can be important.”
Mr Atkinson said the program offers a variety of areas and subjects students can engage with.
“The after-school program is an engaging program that allows them to pursue their passions and interests,” he said.
“They can get help academically- whether they are trying to read or trying to get the best ATAR.
“There are also opportunities for creative expression and sport… we’re trying to build up a music program to provide music lessons for kids.
“There’s lots of potential for them in the area.”
Mr Atkinson said the after school program is always growing, but currently it is limited to the funding available and volunteer involvement. He said they are looking to expand into different areas, but it requires finding the right volunteers or getting enough money to employ people.
“We’re looking to build other creative outlets [including] a drama program in the holidays,” he said.
“We get a collection of grants that allows us to offer a comprehensive program [but] even with funding we rely on volunteers and students.
“We can use a range of different skills [and] we’re always looking for more volunteers, who can teach the STEM subjects in upper high school, as well as volunteers who can teach music, drama, or storytelling.”
Details: banksiagardens.org.au/
