‘‘Our young people loved demolishing the old building the most,’’ laughed Southern Youth and Family Services CEO Narelle Clay in her address.

SYFS won the bid to redevelop the decommissioned Warilla police station in 2012 and has transformed the space into a centre offering 20 rooms, computers, community kitchens, cafes, meeting spaces and a gym.

‘‘This is the first time accommodation specifically for homeless youth has been available in Shellharbour, the centre is the first of its kind,’’ Ms Clay said. 

“The whole purpose of what we do is to assist children, young people and families to gain improved living situations and access to opportunities.”

More than 600 young people are directly housed by SYFS with the service looking to accommodate more. 

While the Illawarra Men’s Koori group was on hand to banish any lingering bad spirits from the centre’s police station days with a smoking ceremony, Ms Clay said SYFS was proud of the centre’s transformation.

‘‘ A lot of our clients used to come to the station for all different reasons, sometimes just to get help,’’ she said.

‘‘Now we’re offering life and social skills training, empowering job seeking and giving young people a kick start in life.’’

The centre, funded mainly by federal and state government grants, also provides opportunities.

‘‘The best thing about the centre opening is that I have a job here now, I got a traineeship here,’’ client Robyn Firman said. During the construction, the centre’s clients worked alongside builders and tradespeople to complete the project.

‘‘Every single one of those young people turned up for work on time every day,’’ Ms Clay said. While stages one and two of the project are complete, SYFS is waiting on more funding to see through stages three and four which will include a great hall. 

‘‘We’re looking for more funding so expect us to hit you up soon,’’ Ms Clay  joked to federal politicians Stephen Jones and Alison Bird.