City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council has recommended the need for a centrally based integrated youth space for the region’s youth.
At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, deputy junior mayor Angelle Mackay identified opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of Greater Geelong young people.
The report noted a ‘safe and inclusive’ youth space would address the significant increase in mental health issues and the social impacts COVID-19 has had on young people.
The report also noted the group’s activities to date, including participation in Deakin University’s Growing Up in Cities project, attending the Barwon Water Community Consultation and the Racism, Raw & Real Forum.
“Being involved in the feasibility study workshops for future youth hubs and sharing our views on the need for space and design ideas has been very rewarding,” Angelle said.
“We feel an integrated youth space in Central Geelong would enable young people to access support services as they need them to safeguard their safety and wellbeing, and we feel the benefits would greatly outweigh the costs of creating such a space.
“I also particularly enjoyed the Racism, Raw & Real Forum, where we heard the experiences of a number of First Nations People and culturally and linguistically diverse people who shared their personal experiences of racism. I would encourage everyone to attend the event in coming years.”
In the report, youth councillors also asked Council to consider establishing an interim youth space while additional funding is raised for a permanent hub.
Youth Council’s fourth and final report to Council will be presented on Tuesday 13 December.
Youth Council is made up of 12 young people aged between 12 and 17 years old, with three representatives from each of the four council wards.
Nominations for the 2023 Youth Council are open until 7 November; for more information and to nominate, see geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil.
