Consultation closes soon on Youth Hub

YOUNG people from the Geelong community have only about a week to have a say in the design of a new youth hub in central Geelong.

The hub, to be built in the Busport building on the corner of Gheringhap Street and Transit Place, will be operated by the City of Greater Geelong as a two-year pilot.

It will be delivered via $400,000 in funding from the Victorian government’s Youth Hubs grant program for 2022-23.

The community is invited to help shape the hub via an online survey until until Friday, March 15.

Registrations are also still open for the second of two co-design workshops for 12-25 year-olds, scheduled for Wednesday, March 13 from 4.30pm to 6pm at the future Geelong Youth Hub site (corner Gheringhap Street and Transit Place).

More than 400 young people have participated so far via various platforms including the Have Your Say online survey, co-design workshop, community events and active school engagement.

Feedback gathered so far has focused on the layout of the space, the types of support services and activities it should include, and how the hub can be as accessible and inclusive as possible.

Construction is expected to start mid-year with some services available ahead of the opening in 2025.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan, Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman and Geelong MP Christine Couzens visited the youth hub site late last week.

Cr Sullivan said the feedback from young people would be central in designing the hub.

“Council is really keen to get input from young people, so we can design a fun, safe and welcoming space for our region’s youth,” Cr Sullivan said.

“We want to understand the type of activities, programs, and services that our young people are looking for.”

Ms Suleyman welcomed the progress on the hub.

“Youth hubs are a one stop shop for health and wellbeing, supports and services, which is why the Allan Labor Government is proud of this partnership with City of Greater Geelong,” she said.

“It is fantastic to see the next steps for this exciting project in Geelong, which will play a key part in engaging young people and keeping them connected to education and work opportunities.”

To fill in the online survey or register for the co-design workshop, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/YouthHub

Participants who complete the survey could win a $50 voucher. Terms and conditions apply.