newy.com.au – Young people in Raymond Terrace have turned an underused street corner into a new Community Corner, creating a public space with seating, landscaping, artwork and recreation facilities.
The space, at the intersection of Williams and Sturgeon streets, was officially unveiled at a celebration event on 18 June 2026 as the culmination of Port Stephens Council’s The Place is Yours project.
The youth-led initiative was designed to give young people a direct role in shaping their community, with participants helping guide, design and deliver the project alongside council staff, local businesses, community organisations and volunteers.
Port Stephens Council Mayor Leah Anderson said the project showed what could be achieved when young people were supported to take an active role in 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.
Community Corner was created through community working bees and volunteer days. It includes seating made by the local Men’s Shed, landscaping, creative artwork and a table tennis table. Bats and balls can be hired free from Raymond Terrace Library and Council’s Administration Building.
A Youth Steering Committee helped keep young people at the centre of decisions throughout the project. Participants also took part in activities including street art, fishing, videography, cultural awareness programs, cooking, self-defence, wellbeing initiatives and creative workshops.
The Place is Yours was delivered by Port Stephens Council and funded through a $50,000 Youth Opportunities Grant from the NSW Office for Youth. Council said the project helped build new skills and relationships among the young people and community members involved.
“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.
“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.
