Geelong council has announced the name of the city’s newest space for young people.
The Central Geelong Youth Hub will be known as The Nest, which was chosen from many suggestions gathered during a month-long engagement period.
In its final report the 2024 Geelong Youth Council noted the name “captures what the Geelong Youth Hub aims to be, a nurturing space for personal growth and a vibrant community for young people to thrive in” and “evokes imagery of a safe, nurturing, and comfortable environment”.
“The Youth Council Advisory committee was impressed by the amount of care and thought that went into the suggested names received for the Youth Hub,” said Junior Mayor Hteemoo Yohellaymusaw.
“The symbolism of The Nest stood out and it will no doubt prove to be a place that lives up to its name for years to come.”
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said she was pleased young people had the final say on the hub’s new name.
“It is important that (young people) have a voice, and take leading roles in all decisions about the hub,” Ms Couzens said.
“I thank them for all their work and input to truly make this space their own.”
The hub, located in the Busport building on the corner of Gheringhap Street and Transit Place, is currently under construction and slated for completion this month.
With its pilot program set to begin in January, the hub will feature an open plan area, a multipurpose room for creative use, a kitchen and an accessible bathroom.
The City of Greater Geelong is still evaluating feedback gathered from the community, but has said young people want the facility to provide opportunities to “learn or practice skills (such as cooking, art and music), as well as mental health support, social ‘drop-in’ sessions, and employment assistance”.
