Input wanted on youth hub plan

CITY of Ballarat staff are looking for input from young people, the youth sector, and the wider community about the potential development of a youth hub.

The consultation is part of a planned feasibility study into the issue with a focus on what’s needed for the hub in the CBD with the aim of co-locating multiple youth agencies at one site.

While the suggested youth hub has not yet been confirmed, the study will investigate how infrastructure may be developed and how a hub may operate.

The hub would aim to provide young people with a place for social connection, programs, skill development, information sharing, and to house support services.

Mayor Cr Des Hudson encouraged the community to provide feedback on the potential dedicated youth space.

“We really want to hear from all people in the community, whether you are a young person, involved in the youth sector or even if you are part of the broader community,” he said.

“Our ultimate goal is to improve the provision of infrastructure for young people in Ballarat.

“The first step is to engage with the community to determine what is needed and what might be possible, so we really do want community feedback.”

A range of anonymous surveys are currently open on the City of Ballarat’s MySay website.

There will also be an in-person session for people in the youth sector held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat on Tuesday 17 October from 10am and one for people aged 12 to 25 at 4.30pm.