Coinciding with National Youth Week celebrations, which have seen youth-led performances and stalls in Glenorchy, Glenorchy City Council is marking the soft opening of its new youth hub.
Mayor Sue Hickey said today is an early opportunity to share the vision for the hub and begin welcoming young people into the space.
“Our new hub will provide a dedicated place for young people to access a range of activities and services from a space created out of the former Salvation Army building in Terry Street.
“Located right in the middle of Glenorchy’s CBD, the hub is an excellent location for Council’s youth engagement officers to deliver programs, as well as being a central and safe point for kids and young people to gather.
When the hub officially opens on 1 July this year it will provide a full suite of evidence-informed activities and programs for young people.
“We know we need to be able to provide young people with access to support programs and activities such as employment, housing and mental health support, to ensure they are engaged in our community.
“Our youth engagement officers, along with our broader community development team have done a fabulous job in working with and mentoring young people in Glenorchy, focusing on positives and delivering services.
“Now, they’ll have a dedicated space to do this from, enhancing the overall experience, find someone to talk to, or just hang out and enjoy the space,” she said.
Mayor Hickey said the Glenorchy Views survey showed a large proportion of the community felt that safety was their top priority, and the youth hub would deliver a safe space for young people, as well as drive activity and engagement.
“Delivering a youth hub has been one of our top priorities for some time, responding to the community’s need for areas where young people can go and connect with each other. We want kids to have somewhere to go to feel safe, supported and have fun.”
The hub has been made possible with funding provided by the Tasmanian Community Fund as well as a private bequest.
Tasmanian Community Fund Chairperson Kym Goodes said the organisation was very pleased to be supporting young people in this way.
“Providing support for young people, specifically in the City of Glenorchy through this project, is critically important,” she said.
“We want to invest in young people and the communities in which they live so they can thrive.
“This project creates exactly the kind of opportunity young people need, a welcoming place in the heart of their community, available when connection and support matter most.”
Mayor Hickey acknowledged the $1 million in funding provided by the Tasmanian Community Fund.
“This funding was crucial to getting the hub up and running, and on behalf of the people of Glenorchy I thank the TCF for is remarkable support of this project.
“I would also like to acknowledge the Estate of the Late Reginald Webb for its bequest which has allowed us to fit-out the hub and turn it from a building into a vibrant centre of activity. I’m sure Mr Webb, a life-long Glenorchy resident, would be very pleased with what his legacy has helped achieved for young people in the city.
“I also acknowledge a commitment for $500,000 in funding from the Department of Education, Children and Young People, and thank the State Government for its ongoing support of this project,” she said.
Mayor Hickey said the hub would officially open on 1 July 2026.