Since announcing the PDCSN Inc would consider re-opening the iconic Cubby House in the new year,  the level of interest from parents has not made it a viable service moving forward.

Back in October, PDCSN manager Siobhan Delgado invited parents who wanted to enrol their children into Cubby for 2016 to contact her in order to obtain the 21 numbers needed for it to open its’ doors. At that time there were five families who were keen to see it re-open.

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Since then, a total of eight families expressed their interest therefore due to the lack of numbers, the decision by the Committee is not to proceed with relaunching the day care service advised Ms Delgado.

“We are going to reuse the premises as the Port Douglas Family Support Hub. All our family support programs will operate from the building from January 2016. That includes the playgroups, new parents program and the free family counselling service.

“I am also liaising with licensing regarding occasional and vacation care options. Again further details will be made available in 2016,” said Ms Delgado.

As the saying goes, when one door closes another one opens. So whilst the Cubby’s doors have been closed indefinitely, the Centre is now planning to embark on a new initiative in 2016 after receiving a $8,960 grant.

“We are also pleased to say we have received funding via the Douglas Shire Council community grants to start a youth initiative. This will allow us to invite young people to our services to ascertain what their interests are and to support services for them locally. We are most grateful to the Shire for this support,” said Ms Delgado.

The youth program is currently being structured around young people predominately between the ages of 12 to 18 years of age to encourage them to the Neighbourhood Centre.

“We want to give youth the opportunity to have a voice about what they want in their region and what interests them for their growth,” advised Ms Delgado.

Whilst the structure of the youth program is currently still being developed, it is planned to have it operational by February 2016.

“During our earlier discussions, we looked into holding after hours workshops and support services at the Centre two nights per week.

“We want to engage young people with workshops for drama, drum beat, cooking as well as leadership programs,” said Ms Delgado.

Once the structured youth program is in place, a notice will be sent  to the schools as well as advising the wider community.

Depending on future state funding around targeting young people, there are hopes the youth program can reach the wider regions of Douglas, with potential plans to expand the youth program throughout the Shire.

If you have any comments or queries please do not hesitate to contact the Neighbourhood Centre manager Siobhan Delgado on 40995518 or email manager@pdnc.org.au