QHub Geelong opens

A NEW safe space in the Geelong region for young lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) Victorians and their families to get support and build connection is now open.

On Wednesday this week, Geelong MP Christine Couzens – representing Minister for Equality Harriet Shing – officially opened QHub Geelong alongside South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman.

Co-designed with local young people, QHub aims to increase inclusion and improve mental wellbeing for LGBTIQA+ Victorians up to the age of 25 across regional Victoria.

The newly refurbished site at 47 Yarra Street in central Geelong is the second QHub to open, following QHub Ballarat, which opened in 2023.

Along with providing online support, QHub’s physical hubs are designed as central, affirming spaces that provide access to local youth-orientated mental health support, social connection opportunities and wellbeing activities.

The Victorian government invested $3.2 million to deliver both QHubs, ensuring young LGBTIQA+ in western Victoria can get the support they need.

“This new space is a great outcome for Geelong and Surf Coast youth and forms part of an historic trial of safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ young people in western Victoria,” Ms Couzens said.

QHub is a Labor Government-funded LGBTIQA+ youth mental health and social connection program delivered in partnership with Drummond Street Services Queerspace, Wellways and Cafs Ballarat.

Victoria’s first LGBTIQA+ strategy, Pride in our Future, recognises that increasing mental health support and safe spaces for regional young LGBTIQA+ people is vital to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes.

The name QHub was chosen by 350 LGBTIQA+ young people and announced on Wear It Purple Day 2023.

“QHub Geelong will give young LGBTIQA+ Victorians from across the region the safe space they need and deserve,” Minister for Equality Harriet Shing said.

“Young members of our rainbow communities and their families in regional areas deserve to have access to the best LGBTIQA+ supports and opportunities, and this new safe space in Geelong is about creating just that.”