Youth up build gets underway

WORK on the Shire’s new Youth Hub has begun after an official sod turning ceremony last Friday.

Located opposite Bannockburn College P-12, the more than $560,000 project is set to offer a range of services for the Shire’s youth.

“An important function of the hub is that it will provide a critical service for young people, which are currently difficult for us to access,” said Bannockburn College P-12 school captain Bridie Orr.

“[Things] such as mental health, respectful relationships, and family violence support.

“The Golden Plains Youth Hub will be a safe and inclusive environment for young people to catch up, connect and socialise.

“On behalf of Bannockburn College students, we are really looking forward to the opening.”

Once complete the Youth Hub will house a range of services and activities, and Ms Orr said what goes on at, and into, the project has been a consultative process.

“Students at Bannockburn College have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to help with the design,” she said.

“Our input has helped ensure that it meets the needs of young people in our community.

“It’s great that it’s located directly opposite our school, where we expect and encourage students to make the most of the wonderful resources, programs and initiatives that will be available for young people of the Golden Plains.”

The Youth Hub project is being jointly funded through a range of organisations.

The State Government is putting in $271,032 via the Growing Suburbs Fund, the Feds are chipping in $100,000 from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, while another $100,000 is coming from the Bannockburn and District Grants program, which is run by the local Bendigo Bank.

Western Victoria upper house MP Gayle Tierney said the Youth Hub was a good example of governments and other community groups working together.

“If all of those organisations and levels didn’t do what they’re doing now, none of this would be possible,” she said.

“What is so optimistic and encouraging about this project is its commitment to improving the health, education, and employment opportunities for young people in this region.

“We know the lifelong benefits people will get out of places like the hub. It’s a starting point in terms of what we need to do in terms of young people, but I think it’s really significant.”

As part of building the Youth Hub, Golden Plains Shire made an in-kind contribution amounting to just over $90,000 by relocating a portable building once used as a municipal office.

Ms Tierney said repurposing the building was a smart thing to do.

“These pre-fabs are a really workable space that can really embrace young people,” she said.

“The other thing, apart from the money of course, is that it’s testament of all three levels of government listening to young people.

“We want this to be a very friendly place, a comfortable place, a place where people can come. We want it to be a pretty cool spot.”