Ranfurly's youth centre, which sprang from a series of Victim Support meetings following several tragic events in the Maniototo last year, was officially opened yesterday.
About 50 people attended the official opening, more than a year after its establishment was suggested.
Youth representatives had said such a centre would provide young people from throughout the Maniototo with a warm, safe place to meet, socialise, and attend various courses or seminars held by volunteer residents.
Support for the initiative came from local police, politicians, businesses, organisations, and families, after project facilitator Amy Scott publicised the idea with a communication seminar.
The Department of Conservation, which owns the former Ranfurly Railway Station amenity building, gave the Maniototo Area Youth Group a free five-year lease to the building providing it contributed to maintenance costs.
About $32,000 was also raised for the project by various events, including a live performance in Ranfurly by entertainers Gary McCormick and Ginette McDonald.
Yesterday Ms Scott (30) and youth group chairwoman Glenis Crutchley thanked those involved in the project and urged community members to further their participation by talking to youth about things they were interested in.
"There are so many talented people in our community who could come here and talk to youth about the skills and knowledge they have. This is a wonderful opportunity for our entire community,'' Ms Scott said.
She said in establishing the centre Maniototo's community had performed a "New Zealand first'' by successfully completing community building, enhancing, and empowering exercises.
"We displayed that we are a community of doers. What has impressed me about the youth involved in this project is a desire to produce a centre for future generations which shows awesome vision, respect for others, and a great deal of responsibility,'' Ms Scott said.
