Youth Hub urged to be explored in Central Geelong

THE City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council is urging its senior counterparts to make youth mental health a priority in the region by installing a central hub in the city.

Deputy Junior Mayor Angelle Mackay prepared and presented the Youth Council’s quarterly report at the council ‘s most recent meeting, highlighting the need for a “central youth space” for the youth of Geelong.

“We feel an integrated youth space in central Geelong would enable young people to access support services as they need them to safeguard their safety and wellbeing, and we feel the benefits would greatly outweigh the costs of creating such a space,” Ms Mackay said.

The report aligned with Youth Council’s priority areas of “Mental Health and Wellbeing” and “Healthy and Respectful Relationships”, noting a “safe and inclusive” youth space to address the significant increase in mental health issues and the social impacts COVID-19 evident among young people.

The report further mentions the group’s activities to date, including participation in Deakin University’s Growing Up in Cities project, attending the Barwon Water Community Consultation and the Racism, Raw & Real Forum.

Geelong mayor Murrihy commended the Youth Council for their work over the year.

“Our Youth Council is a very capable group of young people who do a brilliant job in advocating for their peers, and in particular, have shone a light on the need for more youth spaces in Geelong,” he said.

“Our junior members have had key involvement in co-design workshops as part of the City’s Feasibility Study, which will inform decision-making regarding the future development of youth hubs in the municipality.

“I have enjoyed discussing Youth Council’s priorities during our Councillor Connect Mentoring Program, and I look forward to their recommendations for the rest of the year.”

As part of the Youth Hub Feasibility Study, the city’s Community Infrastructure Planning team ran two days of workshops to canvas the ideas of young people ensuring the proposed facility would meet the needs of the community.

Ms Mackay reflected on the experiences she and her fellow councillors had in 2022.

“Being involved in the Feasibility Study workshops for future youth hubs and sharing our views on the need for space and design ideas has been very rewarding,” Ms Mackay said.

“I also particularly enjoyed the Racism, Raw & Real Forum, where we heard the experiences of a number of First Nations People and culturally and linguistically diverse people who shared their personal experiences of racism.

“I would encourage everyone to attend the event in coming years.”

Youth Council’s fourth and final report for the year will be presented on December 13.