Students from Launceston’s Kings Meadows High School have taken part in a community ‘thinktank’ this week as part of a collaborative project facilitated by the City of Launceston Council and the St Vincent de Paul Society of Tasmania to rename and revitalise the former YMCA facility in Kings Meadows.
The centre is currently being utilised by more than 20 community groups for activities ranging from netball, gymnastics, and basketball, to regular chess club meetings and a variety of one-off gatherings.
The centre also provides a venue for vital community services including showers, laundry facilities and breakfast programs for those experiencing homelessness, as well as a regular community luncheon designed to deliver local connections and prevent social isolation.
Yesterday’s workshop is part of a broader community-driven effort to refresh and reimagine the future of the space, guided by the site’s managing organisation, Vinnies and a community advisory committee which includes representatives from Council, which owns the facility.
The session will see students contribute ideas to rename the building formerly known as ‘the Y’ to reflect its identity as a vibrant, inclusive community asset.
The initiative builds on the work of the Kings Meadows ABCDE Learning Site – the Council’s asset-based community development program – which was based in the former YMCA building from 2021 to 2022.
Council’s Community Connector, Sarah McCormack said the revitalisation process was grounded in strong community ownership.
“This is a fantastic community space with so much potential, and we want to see as many people and groups as possible using it and feeling connected to it,” Ms McCormack said.
“By involving young people in the renaming process, we’re helping build a sense of place and ownership that will benefit both the site and the broader community into the future.”
Vinnies’ Tasmania Northern Youth & Community Manager, Samantha Grace said the site’s evolution was a fantastic example of grassroots community collaboration.
“This collaboration with the City of Launceston and Kings Meadows High School highlights what’s possible when local organisations come together to support shared community-focused goals,” Ms Grace said.
“The students will bring fresh perspectives, and their involvement creates a stronger connection between the facility and the people it serves.”
Councillor and community advisory committee representative, Andrew Palmer said the Council was committed to ensuring the facility continued to evolve as a well-utilised and inclusive space.
“This building has long played an important role in our region, bringing people together and supporting vital services,” Cr Palmer said.
“Through the advisory committee and initiatives such as this, the City of Launceston is working to ensure the site continues to be a dynamic, community-driven asset well into the future.”
