Young people in Nillumbik will soon have a new space to call their very own with the creation of the Shire’s first Youth Hub.
Located in Elizabeth Street, Diamond Creek, the Youth Hub will help deliver essential services and programs to support young people aged 12-25.
The Victorian Government yesterday announced $300,000 in funding to go towards the Youth Hub, which will be matched by Council dollar for dollar.
Youth Minister Natalie Suleman visited the facility yesterday to make the announcement, meeting with Deputy Mayor Geoff Paine, Youth Mayor Brianne Keogh and members of the Nillumbik Youth Council.
The project will see Council’s current building at 32-34 Elizabeth Street, Diamond Creek, redeveloped into a modern, friendly and safe space for young people.
It will include main entry and reception area, kitchen upgrade, large multi-purpose room, program and consulting rooms, office space and a covered outdoor area.
Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan, who at 27 is Nillumbik’s youngest Mayor, knows only too well the unique needs and challenges of young people in the Shire.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding through the Victorian Government’s Youth Hubs grant program,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“The youth hub will bring specialist youth services and programs to our Shire to support our young people and help tackle important issues including mental health, alcohol and other drugs, financial wellbeing, education, employment and training and social connection.
“There will also be the opportunity for programs and activities focused on the arts, music, games, study, cooking and a whole lot more for young people to take part in.
“I’d like to acknowledge the Nillumbik Youth Council for the leading role they have played in bringing this project to life.”
Youth Mayor Brianne Keogh said the Shire’s young people had sent a very clear message about the need for a youth hub in the Shire.
“The development of a youth hub has been a top priority of the Youth Council and Nillumbik’s Youth Strategy.
“We heard from more than 900 young people during consultation for the Strategy,” Brianne said.
“Not only did they want a safe, inclusive and dedicated space to call their own, but a place to help connect to essential services and programs to address problems they need support with.”
The Elizabeth Street site was chosen for its central location close to public transport, its accessibility for people with disability, its visibility from the street and safety considerations including security and lighting. It was also identified in Council’s Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan, adopted in November 2022, as a suitable location for a youth hub.
The youth hub will be a Council-owned and operated facility, managed and staffed by Nillumbik’s Youth Development team. There will be a minimum of two youth workers on site during opening hours.
Council officers will now work with groups who currently use Council’s Elizabeth Street building to relocate them to appropriate facilities in Diamond Creek or in the surrounding area.
Draft concept designs for the youth hub are expected to be released for community consultation in July with works expected to start late in 2023 for completion early 2024.
For full details of the project, including answers to frequently asked questions, please go to Participate Nillumbik: participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/youth-hub
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