Maitland City Council and the Top Blokes Foundation will receive grants, totalling $593,000 from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund, for new youth-related infrastructure and mental health programs.
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Maitland City Council secured $435,107 for the design and construction of stage one of the Woodberry Youth Space, and a further $50,904 for their Youth Space Activation project.
Youth mental health is also set to receive a boost, with the Top Blokes Foundation welcoming $107,647.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack made the announcement today, saying the funding was part of the government's Stronger Country Communities Fund.
It is one of a string of funding projects Maitland has received in recent weeks.
Ms Cusack said the sucessful funding applications were great examples of projects that will make a real difference to the local community.
"Young people in Maitland are the big winners from this round of funding, with the skate park at Fred Harvey Oval to be completely redeveloped under stage one of the Woodberry Youth Space project," she said.
"Funding for Youth Space will include design and construction of a larger contemporary space that meets the needs of all ages and abilities.
"Maitland Council's co-design model will involve local youth in the project from start to finish, helping to create a culture of ownership and sustainability.
"The Youth Space Activation project will include skate, scoot and BMX competitions delivered at four skate facilities, and will include exposure to advanced skaters, skate companies and local service providers, helping them to connect with young people in the Maitland area.
"The program, delivered over two years, will also include community art projects, incorporating both design and painting workshops, to paint murals at four multipurpose courts across the city."
Mayor Loretta Baker said the funding will assist Council to deliver on stage one of the $577,000 Woodberry Youth Space project at Fred Harvey Oval.
"There are so many possibilities for the redevelopment of this skate park and as such I look forward to Council engaging with local young people and the broader Woodberry community in the design of this area, making it an even better space to enjoy," said Mayor Baker.
The Top Blokes Foundation also welcomed substantial funding which will see more than 200 young men aged 10-24 benefit through the expansion of their youth mentoring programs into the Maitland area.
Top Blokes Foundation deliver weekly workshops in schools, as well as through other community organisations, which aim to strengthen the mental health and emotional resilience of young males.
The $400 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government's $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local programs and infrastructure that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.
