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December 2024 Update - Geelong Youth Hub to be known as 'The Nest'

The Geelong Youth Hub will be known as ‘The Nest’ after the name was selected from numerous suggestions by young people across the Greater Geelong region.

A shortlist of proposed names for the facility was provided to the Youth Council Advisory Committee for its consideration, following a period of community engagement.

The Nest’ was chosen for its meaningfulness, uniqueness, and memorability, resonating strongly with the Youth Council, whose final report for 2024 detailed the inspiration behind the suggestion:

'The Nest' evokes imagery of a safe, nurturing, and comfortable environment, much like a bird’s nest.

It suggests a place where young people can feel at home, relaxed, and accepted.

Just as a nest is built with various materials and serves multiple purposes, it aligns with the hub's aim to offer diverse activities and services.

It is an easy-to-remember name that young people can relate to and cherish.

The Nest’ captures what the Geelong Youth Hub aims to be, a nurturing space for personal growth and a vibrant community for young people to thrive in.

The Nest’ will open in the Busport building on the corner of Gheringhap Street and Transit Place in January 2025.

The two-year pilot program is supported by $400,000 in funding from the Victorian Government.

Among other features ‘The Nest’ will include an open plan area for socialising and group activities, accessible bathrooms, a multi-purpose room suitable for a range of creative uses such as music and art, and a kitchen capable of hosting cooking classes.

September Update 2024 - Youth Hub Reference Group and mural EOIs

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Youth Hub Reference Group and creation of a mural have now closed. Thank you to all young people who submitted an EOI and the effort that was put into these applications.

The Youth Development team will now review all submissions received for both opportunities and a member of the team will be in contact with applicants in the coming weeks.

Internal construction works have commenced at the hub site and we look forward to sharing further updates on the project towards the end of October.

The naming stage of this engagement has now closed. Thank you to all who provided suggestions. The Youth Development team has reviewed suggestions against the following principles:

  • simple
  • relevant
  • memorable
  • meaningful
  • respectful

The shortlist has been provided to the Youth Council Advisory Committee for their consideration. Their preferred name for the space will be included in their final report to Council for 2024.

Construction of the new youth hub will begin in September 2024 following the awarding of a tender to Archibald Builders. Read the media release for more information and see renders and floor plan in the image gallery below.


Partnership and Sponsorship Opportunities

The hub is expected to open in early 2025 for a two-year pilot with key features of the space including:

  • an open plan area for after school ‘drop in’ activities
  • a group space for socialising, gaming or chilling out
  • a multipurpose room suitable for a range of creative uses
  • an office which can be used as a co-working or consult space
  • a large kitchen
  • an accessible bathroom
  • If you are interested in partnering with us or sponsoring this great initiative please contact:

    Steph Dunbar - Coordinator, Youth Development on 0417 482 941 or email steph.dunbar@geelongcity.vic.gov.au



    Artist's impressions of the Geelong Youth Hub


    Who's listening?

    Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

    Name Steph Dunbar
    Phone 0417 482 941
    Email steph.dunbar@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

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    Project Partners

    The Geelong Youth Hub - Pilot is supported by the Victorian Government.