Council supports youth hub to empower young people in the region
16 June 2023
Ipswich youth will have better access to education and support services following the recent opening of a new youth hub in the heart of the city.
The newly launched space in Bell Street is providing support and offers young people a safe space to relax, learn and be heard.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson and Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said the new Ipswich Community Youth Service (ICYS) Youth Hub would benefit the community.
“Nearly one-quarter of our city’s population is aged between 10 and 24, and this hub will provide young people with a space to hang out, have fun, learn new skills and access a range of support,” Cr Fechner said.
“Council supported the new youth hub with a community grant of $15,000 which has helped ICYS to purchase computers, arcade games, a pool table, couches, a fridge and other items to set up the space.
“Already it has been a great success with the delivery of events such as the Emerging Artists Exhibition which was celebrated recently during Youth Week and showcased art by young people.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the youth hub would give younger residents a place to connect.
“It’s important our city’s young people have the resources and tools to express themselves and develop into the best versions of themselves,” Cr Doyle said.
“We are enormously thankful for the work ICYS does in the community to support children, young people and their families.
“We have heard first-hand from young people who have used and enjoyed this space and we are confident that it will have a positive impact on many in our community.”
ICYS CEO Amanda Margerison said the youth hub continues to expand the work the organisation does across the region.
“The Ipswich Youth Hub is the third ICYS location in the region, in addition to our Thorn Street office and Lowood Youth Hub and provides a safe place for young people to access individual and education support and activities,” Ms Margerison said.
“This youth hub is a little different to our other two sites, it has been set up to target a younger demographic of people.
“At the moment the space is appointment only, however, we do have plans to open the space for a few hours a couple of days a week down the track as the program starts to mature.”
For more information about the Ipswich Youth Hub, visit www.icys.org.au