A new First Nations youth hub has opened in Geelong, providing a range of tailored services and supports in one place.
Karroong Kanyool is a new youth hub in Norlane run by the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, with support by the Victorian government.
The culturally safe gathering place will provide Indigenous people in the region with access to a variety of clinical, wellbeing and social services and support, as well as providing young people with the chance to connect with each other and strengthen life skills whilst participating in cultural activities.
The space on Forster Street in Norlane was originally opened in 1984 and was one of the original sites for Wathaurong.
Chief executive Simon Flagg said: "Wathaurong has listened to our young people, and we are thrilled to finally deliver on a space that has been developed by and for our young mob".
"Our youth are our future, our Elders of tomorrow, and we want them to grow and become our leaders through the programs and supports we offer here," Mr Flagg said.
The new facility, which means home of the Home of the Young, features new consulting suits for health and wellbeing specialists, and a range of activity spaces. These include a play area, computer and TV rooms and meeting rooms.
There is also an outdoor basketball court with the key surfaced in the colours of the Aboriginal flag.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said: "When First Nations Victorians run the services and supports that young people in their communities need, we see better outcomes".
"Community-led projects like this one change young peoples' lives every day," Ms Hutchins said.
The Aboriginal flag was officially raised by Jordan Edwards, Lachlan Edwards and Shantelle Baillie, who all led the initial youth consultation process to bring the ideas of what the youth hub in Norlane could look like.
Karroong Kanyool will be opening for programs in Term 2 and more details can be found here.
Applications are now open for round seven of the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program. More information can be found online.
