It’s A Monday night in Narrandera and a small group of people have gathered around the barbecue area in the Marie Bashir Park.

Here you will see dedicated community member and mother Julie Birrer serving hot sausages and chicken burgers to the local community with a smile on her face, come rain or shine.

It’s nice not having to cook tea on a Monday night, but this little gathering is so much more than that. 

‘The Hangout’ as it is officially known, is the brainchild of a group of five people and was started to provide a space for youth to make friends and engage in the community.

Sadly they have struggled to have the greater community and council rally behind them, due to the fact that the town already has sports clubs and youth groups.

Not everyone shares this view, as local business Vinnies Fruitz as well as Coles supermarket have donated fruit and meat for the Monday night barbecue.

Other businesses such as Camjai Catering, Bendigo Bank, Mitre 10, Custom Music, Second Chance, Cafe Shazaray, Narrandera Exhaust and Tyres, Narrandera Milk and Smallgoods and the Narrandera Post office have also supported the Christmas Pool Party last year.

“It is so great to see the community coming together to support positive and inclusive community events and activities,” Julie said.

“While there are plenty of sports organisations and church youth groups that provide rich and exciting opportunities for the youth in our town – there is a real lack of support for those with special needs, differing interest and mental health issues.

“Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other mild disabilities often struggle with social communication and anxiety disorders that create barriers for them to access local services.”

The Hangout aims to provide a quieter, smaller environment where these youth can also have their needs met.

“There has been a significant increase in mental health issues especially on the back of COVID and it more important than ever to look after the mental health of our youth,” Julie said

By creating a space for children from the age of 10 and up to engage in safe and community fostering activities, the town is setting its youth up for a more productive future.

“Youth delinquency and mental health issues do not simply ‘just happen’ yet are a product of lack intervention and the right help being given.

“Narrandera as a community have a chance to create a space where children and youth can flourish and create a positive and lasting impact in our town.

“Instead of comparing organisations, the aim is to work together, to create a diverse and engaging range of youth orientated activities where our children can flourish – no matter their abilities and interests.”