Key Community Group Coffs Harbour is one of ten projects on the Mid North Coast to receive a grant in the latest round of Newcastle Permanent’s Charitable Foundation (NPCF) funding.

NPCF Executive Officer Carly Bush said the successful projects were selected for the quality outcomes they will deliver to the lives of disadvantaged and marginalised people in NSW regional communities.

Two popular basketball courts at Key’s Youth Hub in Coffs Harbour will receive a much-needed upgrade to meet safety standards. The courts are used by at-risk youth and people with disabilities.
The upgraded facilities will provide a safe and inclusive space for them to simply have fun as well as engage with vital health, employment and social support services.

But more than a basketball court, we see an organisation that provides not only a new court facility but a wraparound service encouraging young people to find their potential. The grant is for $91,531.

“Key sought funding to upgrade two basketball courts which sit adjacent to our youth hub,” Key CEO Jodi Wood told News of the Area.

“We requested funding for resurfacing of the courts and to replace the broken and, in some instances, missing hoops with heavy duty reversible ones that will also open the courts to netball players.”

Key is a community organisation that provides services in employment, education and disability support. They also run a free youth hub and provide social and recreational support to disadvantaged youth within the Coffs Harbour community.

“Recreational activities and youth friendly spaces are limited in Coffs Harbour, particularly for the disadvantaged young people we see,” said Jodi.

“Kids who are displaying anti-social behaviours often feel disconnected from the programs typically designed for youth such as the education system or local sporting communities. Whilst many may see just some basketball courts, what we are providing is a welcoming and safe space for youth to not only hang out in a healthy way but to get direct access to counsellors, employment consultants and youth workers. By allowing youth to use the basketball courts we have a unique opportunity to engage with them in a less confronting way.

The overall plan for Key’s site is to upgrade all of the facilities to become the most modern and user-friendly safe space for young people on the North Coast.

“We are beyond grateful to the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for this generous grant.
Key is committed to changing lives, and we can’t wait to partner with Newcastle Permanent on this project to make a real difference in our community.

The work on the courts is scheduled for April 2024.
“We hope to do a grand opening shortly after with a three-on-three basketball competition for young people. Exciting times ahead,” said Jodi.