New Youth Room Officially opens as welcoming safe space for Shire’s young people
Council’s Youth Action Group has celebrated bringing their vision to life this week, with a new and vibrant Youth Room officially ready to welcome the Shire’s young people!
Located at the Yeppoon Community Centre, The Livingstone Youth Action Group (YAG) have been the driving force behind this project.
In 2023 Livingstone Shire Council were successful in receiving a grant through the Queensland Government’s Category C Flexible Funding Grants.
The intent of this grant funding was to provide an inviting and visually appealing space that can be used to attract and engage young people in capacity building activities.
A space where young people want to be, stay, and participate.
Recreation and Culture Committee Co-Chair, Councillor Andrea Friend said collaboratively, YAG have led this project, offering an important youth perspective in the development, and establishment of this space.
“The group consists of local youth who work alongside Council's Youth Services staff to discuss local concerns and solutions in the community,” Cr Friend said.
“This is one of many projects that YAG have been working on this year and Council is incredibly proud of this group and the work they have put into creating something special for the youth of Livingstone.
“This room was designed to be a safe place for youth to come, hang out, and get to know others. It is hoped that this space will reduce isolation of young people in our community and offer an alternative safe space to hang out.”
Officially opening on Tuesday 25th June, from 10am – 5:30pm, the Youth Room will open on selected days during the winter school holidays, as well as on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (3:00pm – 5:30pm) throughout the school term.
Recreation and Culture Committee Co-Chair, Councillor Lance Warcon said any young people of high school age are encouraged to come and check out the new space.
“Council is thrilled to welcome our young people here, and there will be many activities on offer, including arts, crafts, LEGO, gaming, Netflix, music and more. Free WIFI is available, as well as phone charging stations!” Cr Warcon said.
“In addition, opportunities to learn and connect with local services will be provided.
“We have many young people in Livingstone with bright ideas, ambitions, hopes and dreams. This is a place where youth will be supported, celebrated, and nurtured.”
Next term, the Youth Room will welcome many visiting services in the space.
“Through encouraging local community services to deliver information within the Youth Room, it is hoped that young people will be more exposed to the availability of services on offer within our region,” Cr Warcon added.
These services will offer information related to mental wellbeing, physical health, employment, disability, and financial support.
Some of the organisations visiting will include:
Headspace, Carers Queensland, Services Australia, Wellways, Queensland Health, Community Solutions, and information about disaster recovery.
The Youth Room will be open during the below days and times:
- Tues 25th June – 10am – 5:30pm
- Thurs 27th June – 3:00pm – 5:30pm
- Monday 1st July – 10am – 2pm
- Tuesday 2nd July – 10am – 5:30pm
- Thursday 4th July – 3pm – 5:30pm