New youth hub for Geelong

THE City of Greater Geelong will open a Geelong Youth Hub within the Busport building in central Geelong as part of a two-year pilot starting in January 2025 running until December 2026.

Council has received $400,000 under the Victorian Government’s Youth Hubs grant program 2022-2023 to support the establishment of the first youth hub in central Geelong.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said that at the youth forums she held in 2020, a youth hub was something almost all young people identified as needed in the central Geelong area.

“I am pleased that this is moving closer to a reality,” she said.

“Having young people included in the design of the space, and what services the youth hub should provide, is critical to the future success of the hub.”

A community engagement for the dedicated youth space will run from 5 January to mid-March, 2024.

Young people across the Geelong region will be asked to help design the new space.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said that Establishing the Geelong Youth Hub is not just about having physical space.

“This important project is a testament to Geelong’s commitment to nurturing its young population and providing a platform for their growth, development, and expression,” he said.

“The City of Greater Geelong invites all stakeholders, service providers, and young people to actively participate in the co-creation of this landmark initiative.”

Councillor Sarah Hathway said she was pleased to know that young people will be directly involved in co-designing the Geelong Youth Hub.

“Engaging young people in the co-design of the Geelong Youth Hub is not just about creating a space for them; it’s about empowering them to shape their own futures and be active participants in building a community that reflects their aspirations,” she said.

“The fact that our Youth Council have advocated for this and will be involved in the co-design of the Geelong Youth Hub right from the start of the project, is fantastic!”