The initiative of South Coast Police, in conjunction with Far South Coast PCYC, Campbell Page and Eurobodalla Shire Council, will provide 10 to 17-year-olds a safe place to go after school and take part in social activities.

Walawaani Garindja – which translates to ‘safe journey to our youth’ in Dhurga Aboriginal language – will be held every Wednesday afternoon at the Gundary Oval clubhouse.

There will be free meals provided, and attendees will be able to hang out with their friends, and take part in activities if they want to, such as touch footy, basketball, soccer, Aboriginal cultural activities, and guitar lessons.

The council’s community development officer Jordan Nye said the program was designed to fill a gap for older kids around the area who had nowhere to go after school.

“It’s not targeted to any particular group – all kids are welcome to rock up, hang out and do what interests them,” Mr Nye said.

“Moruya doesn’t have a youth café, unlike Batemans Bay and Narooma, so it is a bit of a pilot to see whether it will work and if the kids will come.

“The weekly program will continue up to the school holidays and if there’s good interest we’ll look at turning it into a summer holiday program as well.”

Walawaani Garindja youth program will be held every Wednesday from 3.30pm-5pm, starting Wednesday, August 29.

The program is free and no bookings are required.

For more information, contact Jordan Nye on 4474 1289 or visit the website.