A swarm of enthusiastic young people have been very busy bees preparing for the launch of Lavington’s new-look youth centre.
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The Hive, located in the former Lavington library building in Griffith Road, will host its grand opening on Friday, April 7 from 4pm to 8pm.
The centre has been buzzing with activity in the weeks leading up to the launch as young people, together with YES Youth & Family Services staff, have pitched in to prepare for the celebrations.
Young people have turned their hand to creative projects for a fundraising pop-up shop at the opening including making stress balls, painting flower pots, building bird feeders and creating colourful badges.
Still others have helped spruce up the interior and exterior of the centre (shaped like a bee hive) by pressure washing areas, helping erect decorations, and generally injecting life and colour into a space they will be proud to call their own.
The Hive’s program development manager Michelle Milligan said the team at YES had worked hard to establish a youth resource centre in a new location with a fresh approach.
Formerly known as The Place, the youth drop-in centre at Mate Street had a 30-year history in the community.
“But there is so much more that we do than the old name and old identity suggested; it didn’t really inform the community about our role.”
YES youth services program manager Tam Quinn said the new location was more community friendly and accessible.
It’s also a bright, inviting space, with table tennis, games, a big screen and guitars to enjoy as well as comfy chairs to recline in and a “dream den” where imaginations can run wild on creative projects.
In addition to running a host of youth-focused programs and events and developing as a resource for schools, Mrs Quinn said at its heart The Hive was a safe space for young people to hang out.
“The language around our new brand and logo is somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to,” she said.
“Already that’s evident by the fact young people are building connections with staff and making friends even though they might not attend the same school.
“It’s actually incredible to see what that looks like.
“There is no bullying – whatever is happening at school or home they leave all that stuff at the door when they walk in.”
Now the wider community is being invited to come along and see for themselves what all the buzz is about.
- FULL REPORT: Saturday News Focus
