Hume City Council has appointed Melbourne City Mission (MCM) to deliver a new Youth Assertive Outreach Program, supporting young people across the municipality who are disengaged or at risk of disengagement.
Beginning 1 July 2026, the community-based program will provide early intervention support for young people aged 10 to 24 years, using a trauma-informed, strengths-based and culturally safe approach to help young people build wellbeing, navigate challenges and connect with services and opportunities.
The program will operate four afternoons and evenings each week until 7pm, as well as on weekends, providing support at times when young people need it most.
Outreach workers will work with young people in locations they typically gather, informed by local data and community intelligence, including input from Victoria Police and Council’s Community Safety team. The sessions will focus on delivering proactive, relationship-based support.
The program will first focus on current areas in need including Sunbury, Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Mickleham and Kalkallo, with flexibility to respond to emerging needs.
Young people will be able to access information, brief interventions and referrals to a range of services, including health and mental health support, housing, education, training, employment, legal services, family services and recreational opportunities.
The program aims to strengthen safety, social inclusion and participation, while reducing the likelihood of young people entering the criminal justice system through earlier support.
It is expected around 2,400 young people will benefit from the program each year.
Hume City Council Mayor Cr Carly Moore said the initiative would strengthen support for young people across the municipality.
“We are pleased to partner with MCM to deliver this important initiative for our community,” she said. “Young people are at the heart of Hume’s future, and this new outreach program will help us connect with those who may be facing challenges, build trusted relationships and ensure they can access the support they need before issues escalate.”
MCM CEO Paul Wappett said the organisation was proud to partner with Hume City Council to strengthen support for young people across the municipality.
“At MCM we know that young people achieve their best outcomes when support meets them where they are. Through this new outreach program, we’ll be working alongside young people in their communities, building trusted relationships and helping them access the services, opportunities and connections they need to thrive.”
“By providing early intervention and practical support, we can help address challenges before they become crises, strengthen young people’s sense of belonging, and create pathways to better health, wellbeing, education and employment outcomes.”
Strong local partnerships are at the heart of this initiative, with coordinated referral pathways through health and community services, youth providers, schools, community and faith organisations, and Victoria Police guiding its success. This will ensure young people receive tailored, connected support.
The Youth Assertive Outreach Program reflects a shared commitment between Hume City Council and MCM to support young people, strengthen community safety and create positive pathways for Hume’s growing and diverse community.
