The organisation recently secured $500,000 for a purpose-built youth centre in town, which is expected to be located on Rutherford Road.

Muswellbrook Shire Council was the other major beneficiary, snaring $200,000 for playground embellishments at Denman Memorial Park and a further $124,313 for the installation of intelligent lighting at Olympic Park.

But, the biggest smiles were reserved for the staff and board members of UHYS.

"It's great news - and I'm so excited for the kids," manager Lee-Anne McPhee said.

"The Muswellbrook Youth Venue, which will be terrific for young people in our shire, is a partnership project between council, UHYS and Hunter Valley Police District.

"Unfortunately, our current premises is not really 100 per cent, so it doesn't meet our needs anymore.

"And, even though we've been a big part of the community for many years, a lot of people aren't aware we're here.

"So, it will be good to develop our own identity in Muswellbrook.

"We'll lodge a development application (DA) with council soon.

"However, this funding will certainly kick things along.

"We're hoping to open the new centre in 2021."

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said he was delighted to give a total of $824,313 to community groups in the shire.

"The organisations in Muswellbrook and Denman, which included council, obtained NSW Government funding for their projects, which will see residents and young people in Muswellbrook benefit," he explained.

"Over the years, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has already delivered much-needed infrastructure for the electorate.

"So, we're maintaining our commitment to rural and regional NSW by ensuring the community organisations receive the funding they need."

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/strongercountrycommunities