The SHAK youth hub, located at Sanderson Middle School, has entered a new era with Anglicare NT in collaboration with CAAPS Aboriginal Corporation taking over service delivery from the Australian Red Cross earlier this month.
Young people in Darwin have been visiting The SHAK since the 1980's with the Australian Red Cross managing the service for the past 20 years, providing a safe and inclusive space, hot meals for those in need, and programs and activities for people aged 10 - 17 years.
It has been a seamless transition for Darwin's young people with The SHAK Coordinator Boab Murray-Atfield, who has led the programs for the past three years, continuing in his role at The SHAK with Anglicare NT, an organisation that has vast experience in delivering youth services.
From excursions to local cultural and interactive attractions, to traineeships in Community Services the Australian Red Cross and The SHAK have a long and proud history of supporting young people in Darwin.
The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in the future and welfare of young people in Darwin, with a $10.5 million investment co-funded by the Australian Government to construct a new purpose-built youth and community hub in addition to relocating the Men's Shed at the site in Rowland Street, Casuarina.
Construction of the Darwin Youth and Community Hub is set to commence next year, providing a safe space for young people to hang out, as well as a facility for support services, families and the local community.
The new Darwin Youth and Community Hub will further enhance existing programs and services like those available through The SHAK for young people in Darwin's northern suburbs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Lauren Moss:
"I would like to thank the Australian Red Cross for their dedication and hard work over the past 20 years, delivering a safe and successful service for young people and their families in Darwin.
"The Northern Territory Government is proud to fund vital services like those offered through The SHAK and we look forward to continuing the success of the past 20 years with new service partners Anglicare NT."
Quotes attributable to Anglicare NT Deputy CEO Ann Buxton:
"The SHAK is already a successful and much-loved service and we're committed to continuing the quality activities and programs that young people and their families have come to know and trust.
"Anglicare NT has a lot of experience working with young people, and we're excited to be partnering with the Northern Territory Government to lead service delivery at The SHAK."
Quotes attributable to The SHAK Coordinator Boab Murray-Atfield:
"I am proud to have helped to deliver a range of practical, safe and fun programs for countless young people over the past few years and look forward to continuing that with Anglicare NT at the helm."
