Nillumbik Youth Hub officially opened
Published on 03 September 2024
In exciting news, Nillumbik’s first dedicated youth hub has been officially launched and will be open to young people from Monday 9 September.
Minister for Youth, The Hon Natalie Suleyman, Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, Member for Eltham Vicki Ward, Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage joined Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan, Councillors, Youth Council members, local young residents and other guests for the official opening on Monday 2 September.
The inclusive and accessible space in Elizabeth Street, Diamond Creek, has been created for young people, in consultation with young people, and has been jointly funded by Council ($706,000), the Victorian Government ($300,000), and the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Infrastructure Program ($155,000).
The Youth Hub will offer a range of services for young people, including study spaces and free wi-fi; support and referral to specialist services; events and activities; access to a kitchen and laundry facilities, and indoor and outdoor spaces to meet with friends or enjoy some quiet time.
Mayor Ben Ramcharan said as the only facility of its kind in Nillumbik, the Youth Hub is a one-stop destination tailored specifically for young people and service providers.
“This is a modern facility with indoor and outdoor spaces that will welcome all young people aged 12-25,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“The spaces and services offered throughout the Youth Hub have been created based on feedback from our young people. This is truly a space for youth, by youth,” Cr Ramcharan said.
Ellis Ward Councillor Peter Perkins said the Youth Hub will provide a vital resource for the community’s young people.
“Located right by the train station in the heart of Diamond Creek, the Youth Hub is accessible whether you’re walking, riding a bike, driving or catching public transport,” Cr Perkins said.
Nillumbik Youth Council Mayor Orianna Edmonds said the Youth Hub offers exciting programs, services and activities for young people.
“The Nillumbik Youth Hub is a safe and welcoming space for young people to enjoy. Come along if you want to study, meet with friends or make new ones, access youth programs or services, or take some time for yourself,” Ms Edmonds said.
From 9 September, the new Youth Hub will be open Monday to Thursday, 11am-3pm, for general enquiries and appointments. A drop-in program will also run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3pm-6pm for young people aged 12-25 during school terms.
The Youth Hub also offers a variety of programs, meeting and consultation spaces for young people, youth service providers and other organisations that benefit young people. These spaces can be hired from 7am-11pm Monday-Sunday.
Visitors are invited to visit the Youth Hub and see all it has to offer at an open day on Saturday 14 September, as part of the Diamond Creek Rotary Town Fair.
For more information, visit the Nillumbik Youth website.
Quote attributable to Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman
“We are continuing to support Youth Hubs in Victoria – making sure young people can access a range of activities and support services, have fun and build connections with their peers in a safe environment.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“This Hub has been designed for young people by young people and it is fantastic that our government has been able to support this new Youth Hub.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
“It’s fantastic to see the Diamond Creek community receive a dedicated youth space. The centrally-located hub will provide a welcoming environment and deliver tailored programs for the youth of the Nillumbik Shire.
“When all levels of government work together, we get high-impact projects like this off the ground – with the Australian Government’s $5.5 million LRCI investment supporting a range of local priority projects across the Nillumbik Shire.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell MP:
“Having a purpose-built youth hub in the Nillumbik Shire is something locals have long called for, which is why I’m proud that all levels of government came together to make it happen.
“It’s fantastic to see work complete, with this facility designed for young people by young people – and offering our community a dedicated space that will connect young people to a range of support, entertainment and mentoring opportunities.”