Lotterywest contribute $1.9 million to planned Dalyellup Multipurpose Community and Youth Centre

A multi-million dollar project is one step closer to fruition after it received a major funding boost. The Shire of Capel has received a $1.9 million grant from Lotterywest for the proposed Dalyellup Multipurpose Community and Youth Centre, which was handed over by Bunbury MLA Don Punch at the Dalyellup Public Library on Wednesday. Mr Punch said he was pleased the project has received funding, describing it as an innovative and accessible public technology hub. “This youth tech hub will give students and young people interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects and careers the opportunity to explore the creative and recreational side of cutting-edge technology without the expense of buying the necessary equipment,” he said. “We know STEM areas will be the source of the jobs of the future so providing this facility to young people to hone their skills in ways that go beyond the school curriculum will be fantastic for our region.” Lotterywest’s contribution adds to the $8 million the State Government has put towards the project through its Recovery Fund. Mr Punch commended the council for recognising the different needs and interests of its young population. “The fact it is building a tech hub and contemporary youth centre alongside the Dalyellup skatepark shows how much it values young people in its community,” he said. Alongside the tech opportunities, the centre will provide a new district library and learning space, community meeting facilities and the opportunity for the Shire of Capel to expand its services to the community. A number of recent investments have been made in improving Bunbury’s STEM capacities, including facilities at Dalyellup College, Newton Moore Senior High School and Bunbury Senior High School, alongside the creation of the WA Creative Technology Innovation Hub at Edith Cowan University’s Bunbury campus.