Young Geelong members of the LGBTIQA+ community and their families now have a new safe space to access needed support and build connections.
The QHub officially opened in Geelong’s central district to provide a welcoming environment for LGBTIQA+ people aged up to 25 years old living in Geelong, the Surf Coast and across the region.
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing said the QHub was co-designed with local young people to increase inclusion and improve mental wellbeing.
“QHub Geelong will give young LGBTIQA+ Victorians from across the region the safe space they need and deserve,” she said.
“Young members of our rainbow communities and their families in regional areas deserve to have access to the best LGBTIQA+ supports and opportunities.”
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the hub provided access to youth-oriented mental health support, social connection and wellbeing activities.
“This new space is a great outcome for Geelong and Surf Coast youth and forms part of an historic trial of safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ young people in western Victoria,” she said.
The refurbished site is the second QHub to open in Geelong’s central district following last year’s opening of the QHub Ballarat.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said the state government had invested $3.2 million to deliver both QHubs to ensure western Victoria received the needed support.
“Providing greater access to targeted mental health and wellbeing support for young people closer to home is one of the key achievements of Victoria’s landmark Pride in our future strategy,” she said.
QHub is a state government LGBTIQA+ youth mental health and social connection program delivered in partnership with Drummond Street Services Queerspace, Wellways and Cafs Ballarat.
