Loft supporters screeched with glee when they learned their beloved youth venue would be kept open.

The supporters attended a Newcastle City Council meeting last Thursday, June 25 when councillors voted to keep The Loft open for two more years.

Councillor Bob Cook put forward a motion that the youth venue would be kept open for another two years and its programs would be promoted throughout Newcastle.

During these two years, the youth venue would be assessed and further reviewed.

It would also be included in the next stage of the sustainability review under community halls.

The motion was passed eight to five with councillors Aaron Buman, Michael Osborne, Brad Luke, Scott Sharpe and Mike King voting against it.

Although this decision is a positive outcome for the Loft, supporter Nicole Molyneux said it wasn’t the preferred result.

“At least we have been given another chance, but we want to stay opened forever, not just two years,” Miss Molyneux said.

“It still feels like they (Newcastle Council) still don’t have much faith in us, which is pretty sad.”

Despite this, Miss Molyneux said she was proud of the young people, who had been involved in saving The Loft.

“We have proved that young people have a voice and we’re going to continue having one,” she said.

The Loft did not just have support from its young people.

It was announced last week that The Loft will receive more than $33,000 of federal funding for its Indigenous Cultural Support Program.

The youth centre has also won many awards, including the international competition Scenes and Sounds of Our City.

However, at last week’s meeting, Cr Luke said just because The Loft had won awards doesn’t mean it was for the betterment of the community.

Cr Buman said councillors were afraid to make tough decisions and the continuation of The Loft would cost the council too much money.