The state government has done an about-face and agreed to reinstate funding to keep open the Laverton Link Centre, which supports some of the most at-risk youth in one of Melbourne’s most disadvantaged areas.
Star Weekly last month revealed that the centre was slated for closure in December after the government withdrew $300,000 funding.
The centre has operated at the back of Laverton P-12 College since 2005, providing employment and education pathways each year for about 40 teenagers from mainly Hobsons Bay and Wyndham.
Following our report, Jo Sexton Bennetts, a youth mentor with the Les Twentyman Foundation, started an online petition pleading with Education Minister James Merlino to save the centre.
On Monday, a government spokesman confirmed in writing that the funding would be made available to keep the centre open.
“Funding will continue to be available for The Link Centre operations to continue in 2017,” the spokesman said. “In that time, the department will consult with the centre and the local schools and community to ensure the best possible outcome for the students.”
Ms Sexton Bennetts said she was “so excited that the government is continuing its support of this amazing facility and ‘at-risk kids’ in the western suburbs”.
“I’m so proud our local community came together to fight this issue; it really is a win for the underdog,” she added.
Rhonda Collins, manager of Altona- based youth homelessness service Latitude, had been at the forefront of organisations fighting to save the centre.
“We must acknowledge the support of the community who made sure The Link Centre did not just disappear,” she said.
