The Inverell Community Youth Centre (I C YOUth), opening along Vivian Street, was a brainchild of a few locals who shared the same passion of assisting youth.

Inverell's Rhonda Mason has been working with youth and young adults for the past 20 years. In November she was inspired whilst tripping around, visiting the few regional youth centres.

She learnt about the different services each centre offered and believed Inverell was in need of its very own. The youth she worked with agreed with her.

"It was like a snowball, the idea started small and now it seems to be rolling into something bigger. We have a fair few groups and individuals interested in this Inverell youth centre saying we've needed this for a long time," she said.

Magistrates, solicitors, Juvenile Justice, police and a number of other organisations have praised the small group for taking action.

However, Mrs Mason said volunteers would be needed to run the centre, adding local residents could help by offering their time.

"It takes a village to raise a child and as shows, a couple of hours a fortnight is very doable if enough people come on board to volunteer.

"Our community has a wealth of resources and by improving the lives of youth, we are improving our town as a whole."

For those interested in finding out more, an information session will be held on March 18 at the Community College from 6pm.

All Inverell residents are welcome to attend the session to learn how they may be able to assist.

Mrs Mason said the entity had applied for charitable status, created a concept statement and was almost ready to open its doors.

She was pleased the recent screening of Backtrack Boys lifted awareness around troubled youth.

"For the past five years I've worked with troubled youth specifically and I've seen them turn their lives around. It's amazing what an encouraging advocate can do for a young person." The centre will offer a variety of support, from; mentoring and chats, agencies and NGO referrals for specific assistance for needs such as homelessness, conflicts, substance abuse, mental health, etc, advocacy, social events and life skill development. For more information phone 0406 181 024 or email ICYOUthCentre@gmail.com.