Pop-ups to engage youth

YOUTH centres and activities are planned to pop-up around the Shire this year, supporting, engaging, educating and connecting residents between the ages of ten and eighteen.

Facilitated by the Golden Plains Shire’s youth development staff, the first inclusive, safe and judgement-free Youth Space will be held at the Inverleigh Public Hall, with drop-ins welcome on Wednesdays from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, from 21 April to 23 June.

Gaming consoles, board games, music equipment, table tennis, healthy snacks and drinks will be accessible.

A school holiday program is also being run this month, with a scoot and skate clinic at Enfield Skate Park next Tuesday, 13 April, food-handlers’ training in Haddon on Thursday, 15 April, barista skills training in Bannockburn on Friday, 16 April, and a broader State FReeZA Summit in Collingwood on Wednesday, 14 April.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby is encouraging families to get involved.

“The pop-up Youth Space initiative, starting in Inverleigh, will enable improved connection and engagement with young people in our communities,” she said.

“Council is committed to providing opportunities for young people to be physically and socially active in our communities, whilst also providing platforms to learn new skills and build capacity.

“These inclusive, supervised spaces and programs are designed to appeal to a broad range of strengths, interests and age groups, while providing valuable opportunities for young people to connect, learn and lead in their community.”

To express interest in any programs, contact [email protected].

In terms 3 and 4, other towns will host pop-up Youth Spaces while Bannockburn and Smythesdale have their own pre-existing youth groups.