PROJECT SCOPE OUT

In 2018 Benalla Rural City Council receivedfunding from the Central Hume Primary CarePartnership to research the feasibility of a youthspace in Benalla. This project was youth led withyoung people researching possible locations inBenalla, creating a realistic budget and exploringyouth spaces in nearby communities.

Benefits of a Youth SpaceA youth space is a dedicated space for young people to feel safe, supported and have fun with friends. Currently Benalla Rural City does not have a dedicated space for youngpeople. Spaces where young people feel free to hang out with friends are few and far between. A youth space in Benalla would offer young people a safe environment staffed by experienced youth workers. Not only would the space aim to be safe and inclusive, it would alsosupport young people that present with concerns, worries or in crisis. A youth space would empower young people to create a place they can feel proud of and take ownership of.

the space be located in the CBD of Benalla Rural City.an age range be set for general open afternoons, for example 12 to 19 years of age.the space opens at least two afternoons a week 3pm to 5.30pm with the possibility ofextending hours.at least one Council staff member be present during open afternoons and events.the space should be used for youth led events, activities, workshops and information sessionsoutside of normal hoursexploring the possibility of sharing the space with other services and groups during closedhoursaccess to technology be provided e.g. computers, Wi-Fi and gaminga maximum capacity be set for open afternoonsa youth led committee be created to organise events/workshops and create guidelines for thespacethe space is inclusive for all young people and would offer a safe space for LGBTIQ+, CALD,Aborigianl and Torres Strait Islander young people and breast feeding young mothers

Young people recommended:

Visited the Mansfield Youth CentreVisited the Albury Youth Retro Lane CafeResearched and explored variouslocations for a youth space in BenallaHeld two community open sessions, thatencouraged a broader community voiceCompleted desktop research for variousother youth spaces, for example MitchellShire, The Haven in SheppartonProduced a cost estimate of set up andcontinued running costsProduced recommendations for a youthspace in Benalla (see 'Young peoplerecommended' section).

What we did

Since the conclusion of the study, three young people who were involved in Project Scope Outpresented their findings to the Benalla Rural City Council Finance and Operations Committee.Present a formal report to the Council for resolution.

Explore funding and grant opportunities to support the establishment and running costs of ayouth space.Organise community fundraisers.Explore potential partners to co-locate the youth space.Look more broadly at other communities and the running of their successful youth spaces.

Where to from here?

In the meantime we will:

3% of young people who completed the 2018Youth Survey identify as non-binary/genderfluid9% of young people identified as Aboriginal orTorres Strait Islander51% believe young people would benefit fromhaving a youth space in Benalla66% of young people were engaged in sportingactivities70% of the young people who completed thesurvey live within the Benalla townshipThe top three concerns for young people wereboredom/nothing to do, body image and mentalhealth concerns

Who are the young people ofBenalla Rural City?

Quotes from the crew on the Albury space:"....focusing on youths that will grow up in the area will aid some of theproblems Benalla has in the future. For example, tutoring night could

help kids stay engaged in learning, boosting chances of tertiaryeducation. This in turn could help Benalla businesses."

"It seemed more like a cafe with a pool table than a youth space.""The space is open and inviting."

"I don't like how it seems more like a cafe than an actual youth spaceand is open to the public (older and younger than 12-25)."

Youth Space Feasibility Study

Quotes from the crew on the Mansfield YouthCentre:

"Things of interest in the space for all.""So much art and a great atmosphere."

"Lots and lots of opportunities for youth."".....one on one interaction can help kids in

crisis (home, social, health."

Benalla Ensign article on young people's presentation to theCouncil's Finance and Operations Committee

Youth Survey results information poster used forcommunity open sessions

The crew at the Mansfield Youth Centre Promotion for the first community open session Ben Milner's illustration of how a youth space canbe used.