Wednesday, 17 October 2018

It’s exciting news for young people in the Latrobe Valley – Youth Space Latrobe is officially up and running.

Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos today formally opened the youth-focused hub, which is kicking off operations from Shop 27 at Mid Valley Shopping Centre before it moves to a more permanent location in coming months.

The Andrews Labor Government invested $4.3 million to establish and operate Youth Space Latrobe, which will be led by young people for young people, providing activities and services that will help grow their skills and experience and lead to new opportunities.

Also announced today, 16 young people aged 14 to 24 from the Latrobe Valley have been selected to form Youth Space’s first Governance Committee; an advisory group who will help guide the development and delivery of Youth Space’s programs and activities for young people across the Latrobe Valley.

Traralgon local Michelle Prezioso, 24, was appointed as a mentor for the Youth Governance Committee in recognition of her dedication to fostering the creative ambitions of young people in the Latrobe Valley.

One of the Committee’s first tasks will be to identify and plan local programs and activities, as well as decide on the winning submissions for the site’s branding and logo competition, with applications closing 1 November, 2018.

Safe driving lessons, young mothers’ groups, street art workshops and live theatre performances are just some of the initial ideas for Youth Space Latrobe, with details to be finalised over the next couple of months.

Youth Space is led by the YMCA as part of a consortium of organisations which include Berry Street, Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network, Scouts Victoria, Quantum Support Services, Latrobe Youth Choices, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, the Gathering Place, AGL Loy Yang, Centre for Multicultural Youth, National Disability Officer Programme and Gipps Sport.

Young people aged 12 to 25 years from Latrobe have played a critical role in shaping the Youth Space model. For more information about the Youth Space Latrobe, visit the Facebook page.

Quote attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos

“This is a youth space for young people, by young people – we’re putting the youth voice front and centre to shape activities in the Latrobe Valley because it is important to be involved in policies and programs that directly affect them.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“To young people in the Valley, congratulations, this is your day. It is fantastic to see this project come to fruition and know that it will be a key part in engaging young people and keeping them connected to education and work opportunities.” 

Quote attributable to spokesperson from Youth Space Manager Kylie Dubrich-McLoughlin 

“From driving lessons for young mums to street art workshops at our interim site in Mid Valley Shopping Centre, there’s lots planned for Youth Space!”