More space for youth place

THE Golden Plains Youth Hub reopened on Monday after being shut since late May to allow for minor upgrades.

Originally slated to reopen in late June, the site has been revamped to increase its capacity from 20 people to 75 with the inclusion of a gender-neutral and ambulant toilet.

The venue’s youth health and wellbeing officer Emily Hibble said the upgrade will mean larger groups for activities that previously would have been at capacity.

“On multiple occasions especially during our drop-in programs, we’ve been at capacity,” she said.

“Now, including staff we’ll have 73 young people at one point. With things like our holiday programs, our after-school programs, movie nights, we can accommodate so many more.”

An additional storage space has also been constructed as part of the overhaul.

Bannockburn P-12 College year 8 student Skye attended the Youth Hub roughly three times a week prior to its temporary closure.

She said she’s excited at the idea of being in larger groups.

“I’m mostly looking forward to being in bigger groups with people and having FReeZA meetings again like we used to,” she said.

“Being able to hold more people, I think it’ll bring bigger events here. Before this, there wasn’t as much usage as there could’ve been.”

With the site run through Golden Plains Shire, mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said the upgrade will provide a boost to the Youth Hub’s offerings.

“Increasing the capacity at the Golden Plains Youth Hub has greatly increased council’s ability to offer more programs at the Youth Hub and run multiple programs concurrently,” he said.

We’ll also now look to attract additional external organisations to increase the range of co-located services and programs available to young people in our Shire.

“We’re really excited to be able to support more young people at the Youth Hub, helping them connect with their peers and engage in meaningful programs to support their social, mental and physical wellbeing.”

Youth Hub activities continued to be held either online or at alternative venues during the site’s redevelopment.

Located at the Bannockburn Recreation Centre, the venue is open four days a week during school terms with regular programs including Youth Activation Committee meetings, and FReeZA initiatives, as well as art, robotics, and cooking sessions.