Council’s The Place is Yours project has culminated in the opening of a new Community Corner, showcasing the power of youth-led community action.
Council’s The Place is Yours project has culminated in the opening of a new Community Corner, showcasing the power of youth-led community action.
Young people have transformed a previously underutilised corner at the intersection of Williams and Sturgeon Streets, Raymond Terrace, into a welcoming community space that reflects their ideas, creativity and contribution.
The Place is Yours is a youth-led initiative that showcases the creativity, leadership, and contribution of young people while providing a platform to share their voice and shape their community.
The new Community Corner, officially unveiled at a celebration event on 18 June 2026, recognises the achievements and collective efforts of the many organisations and individuals who supported the project.
Port Stephens Council Mayor Leah Anderson said The Place is Yours demonstrated what can be achieved when young people are trusted, supported and empowered to contribute to community life.
“The Place is Yours has given young people the opportunity to step forward, share their ideas and make a genuine contribution to their community. Everyone involved showed incredible creativity, leadership and passion. We’re so proud of their willingness to collaborate with Council, the NSW Office for Youth, and a range of community partners to create such a fun, vibrant place,” Mayor Anderson said.
“The new Community Corner shows exactly what’s possible when young people, Council, local businesses and community organisations work together to create positive local spaces and outcomes,” Mayor Anderson added.
Community Corner was created through a series of community working bees and volunteer days involving young people, Council staff, local businesses, community organisations and volunteers. It features seating created by the local Men’s Shed, landscaping, creative artwork and a table tennis table. Bats and balls are available for free hire from Raymond Terrace Library and Council’s Administration Building.
A Youth Steering Committee helped guide the project, ensuring young people’s voices remained at the centre of decision-making and delivery. Participants also took part in a variety of activities such as street art, fishing, videography, cultural awareness programs, cooking, self-defence, wellbeing initiatives and creative workshops.
The Place is Yours Project was delivered by Port Stephens Council and funded by a $50,000 Youth Opportunities Grant from the NSW Office for Youth and has helped build new skills and relationships, which ultimately contributed to the project success.
Mayor Anderson said projects like The Place is Yours help strengthen community pride while creating opportunities for young people to feel connected, valued and supported.
“It has been fantastic to see so many people from across our community come together to bring this space back to life. What was once an underutilised street corner is now a fun and welcoming place to play, relax and connect,” Mayor Anderson added.
“Projects like this show the true heart of Raymond Terrace. It also demonstrates how Council’s Community Strategic Plan and Community Wellbeing Strategy are being delivered through practical, on-the-ground initiatives that celebrate our young people, and strengthen community connection and pride,” Mayor Anderson concluded.
To learn more about the new Community Corner, visit pscouncil.info/community-corner
