SOUTH MORANG, VIC. — The City of Whittlesea has welcomed a $2.2 million funding commitment from the Victorian Labor Party (if it wins the November state election) towards a new purpose-built Youth Centre in South Morang.
The Labor candidate for Mill Park, Elizabeth Nealy, announced that if re-elected, a Labor Government would invest $2.2 million towards the Youth Centre following a Youth-Led Roundtable with local young people.
“This commitment is a fantastic result for our young people, who have been at the heart of our campaign for a purpose-built Youth Centre,” Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox said.
The announcement is an important step towards delivering a dedicated Youth Centre at the Civic Precinct in South Morang, across the road from South Morang Station.
Council has identified the Youth Centre as a key advocacy priority and has committed up to $6 million across future budgets towards its delivery. Council selected the Civic Centre (South) site following a business case that assessed accessibility, safety, opportunities for youth-led design, community integration and long-term feasibility.
“Our young people have told us they need a safe and welcoming place where they can connect, access support, build skills and simply spend time together, and we have listened,” Mayor Cox said.
The Youth Centre will provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive place where young people can connect, access programs and services and participate in activities supporting their wellbeing, development and pathways into education and employment.
Importantly, young people have been at the heart of the project, helping shape the proposed location and service model and leading Council’s advocacy campaign for government investment.
“As a fellow young person myself, a Youth Centre in our municipality was long overdue,” Youth Councillor Dhyani Bhavsar said.
Whittlesea City Council will continue to advocate to all candidates ahead of the Victorian state election for support to deliver the Youth Centre.
“Council has committed up to $6 million towards the Youth Centre and welcomes the $2.2 million commitment.
“We will continue working with all candidates to secure the support needed to deliver this important facility for our young people,” Mayor Cox said.
