Youth have 22 good reasons

By Jessica Howard

Young people in Moorabool now have access to an exciting new space.

Studio 22 officially opened over the September school holidays, with a three-day program providing a number of activities including henna art, video games, art and craft and basketball.

Moorabool Shire Council Youth Services Coordinator, John Perham said it is great to finally have a permanent home for young people to hang out in.

“The aim is to engage with young people and help to develop their skills while connecting them to the community in a relaxed environment,” he said.

“Studio 22 was predominately created by a group of Federation University VCAL students, aged from 15 through to 17. They have been involved right from the get go and are responsible for 90 per cent of the work to set up the space”.

The new youth space has a pool table, television and kitchenette, alongside an office space that will cater for up to three services and a separate room for individual counselling.

Mr Perham said the room would also be fitted with computers in the near future.

“Alongside the basic entertainment, we will soon provide dedicated programs for things like school homework, video-making and resume writing.

“The separate office space has three service desks that will provide access to a number of youth services, from both [Council] and elsewhere. It will make youth services much more accessible for those in the area”.

At the time of writing, around 60 young people had attended the space since its opening.

Mr Perham said while the opening hours were still in trial stage, the studio would be open from Tuesday to Thursday, 3pm to 5pm.
Studio 22 is located at the Darley Community Hub, 182 Halletts Way.

For more information visit www.moorabool.vic.gov.au or call 5366 7100.