Young people and families on the Barrenjoey Peninsula have cause for celebration with the significant expansion of the Avalon Youth Hub, now rebranded as the “Beaches Youth Hub“.
This expansion comes after an endorsed proposal to relocate the Hub to the former Avalon Customer Contact Centre. This would allow for a broader range of services and support for young people facing challenges.
This initiative has been years in the making, originating in 2017 when then-Barranjoey High School Principal Ian Bowsher recognised the need for a dedicated youth support service in the area. He partnered with The Burdekin Association, and they launched the Avalon Youth Hub in 2018 May.
At the time, Mr Bowsher stressed the importance of having a central location where young people could access help with various issues, from mental health to substance abuse, in an open and supportive environment.
He envisioned the Hub as a place to normalise conversations around youth wellbeing and bring together different community sectors—schools, health services, and government—to collaborate on this crucial mission.
The Northern Beaches Council’s decision to grant the former Customer Contact Centre to the Youth Hub followed a thorough viability review and an Expressions of Interest process.
The Burdekin Association, as the lead agency of the Avalon Youth Hub, was selected from several applicants. This move underscores the Council’s dedication to youth wellbeing and its proactive approach to addressing mental health concerns within the community.
A celebratory event marked this new chapter. The new “Beaches Youth Hub” identity was unveiled on Wednesday, 18 September. This rebranding reflects the Hub’s expanded reach and commitment to serving the broader community.
It is located at 59 Old Barrenjoey Road, Pittwater, and welcomes drop-in visitors on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can also reach them by phone at 0487 936 875.
Published Date 01-October-2024