Web's future assured

The Web Youth Centre’s future looks assured after a State Government Grant of just under $40,000.
Dion Richardson, adolescent support worker at the Web, is grateful for the Peninsula community’s help over the years.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," said Mr Richardson.
"It’s been a battle to keep the Web going, but it’s been worth it.
"When I took on this job four years ago, I wanted to see and make changes in accordance with the youth needs that were presented to me.
"Youth needed a place to come and hang out and to receive assistance and information on youth topics."
Mr Richardson said it was imperative for youth to socialise and gather in safety.
Youth are a high-risk victim group.
"I have a service when youth need it the most, that being Friday and Saturday nights," he said.
"The overwhelming number of youth that attend are very good but a handful are challenging."
Although the State Government grant provides a secure future, Mr Richardson says his dream is not yet complete.
"The funding means we should stay open on the weekends for forever and a day," he said.
"The weekday funding is continuing from the Department of Community Services and the Community Centre (where the Web is situated) will receive money from Gosford Council’s rate increase funds.
"This means extra space for the Web which I want to fill with things like pool tables, new pinball machines, air hockey, indoor sports and so forth.
Mr Richardson believes that the new look Web will persuade youth who would otherwise spend the weekends drunk or stoned on marijuana, to spend time at the Web.
"Any youth that turn up drunk or stoned are turned away," he said.
"But our role is to support youth at risk of being homeless, so turning them away is unfortunate.
"We will provide a drug and alcohol counselor to assist these young people."
Mr Richardson says there was great support when the Web was in danger of closure due to lack of funding.
"The Ettalong Memorial Club and the Peninsula Community Forum negotiated with Gosford Council and donated funds to keep the Web open and Woy Woy Leagues Club has donated $13,000 to provide equipment and staff during the week," he said.
"I would also like to thank people like Arthur Asiack from Civic Video, the Nichols family who own Woy Woy abattoirs, Woy Woy and Umina high school principals and the local Lions Clubs.
"Also, a special thanks to Russ Maynard and his wife Barbara, local member Marie Andrews, Debra and Matthew Wales, Cr Lynne Bockholt, Marjorie Child, Ocean Beach Surf Club, Area Health Service, Sexual Health, Gosford Drug and Alcohol Referral Centre and the many people who have volunteered their time.
"Thank you all."
A Web Explosions Dance Party is held every third Friday of the month at Woy Woy High School starting at 7pm and costs $6.
An open day for parents and other interested people is also planned.