Service Spotlight: Supporting young people to be their best

Not long after 3pm on any given Monday, Wednesday or Friday, a steady stream of young people can be seen filtering through the side entrance of the Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre in Torquay.

It may be for the activities on offer, the free food and drink, a visit to much-loved therapy dog Larry, or just the relaxed social environment, but they’re all headed to the Council-run Torquay Youth Space.

The Youth Space is a key offering from Council’s Youth Development team, and one of many ways we’re helping Surf Coast young people to thrive.

A safe place to relax and have fun

“It’s somewhere they can come and socialise and be supported in a safe space that’s not overly controlled by adults,” Youth Development Team Leader Jack Pearson said.

“They can just come, hang out with their friends, have a good time.”

Open after school between 3pm and 5pm, the space features a table tennis table, music equipment, and a Nintendo Switch. English Cocker Spaniel Larry has a smile and a wag of the tail for everyone, and there’s always a free healthy snack on offer.

So far in 2025, around 50 people have attended the space each opening night, including a strong take-up from year 7s starting their secondary school journey.

Alongside Jack, the space is staffed by fellow Youth Development team members Damian O’Brien and Emma Jones.

All are university educated with qualifications specific to working with young people, and take pride in delivering Council’s youth programs.

“The Surf Coast is a fantastic place for young people to live, and in general we find if they’re engaged in mainstream sport, or ocean-related activities, or music and the arts, they’re often doing really well,” Jack said.

“But the challenge can be for the young people who aren’t into those things, helping them find their passion or their way to fit in.

“We also know that there have been a lot of families who have moved to the Surf Coast, so we can play a role in supporting the young people from those families.

“We know that if young people are not connected to the community, if they don’t have interests or passions, they’ll struggle to build their resilience and it will be harder for them to thrive as they grow into adults.

“So that’s where Council can play a really important role.”

Finding a passion for live music and performance

Alongside the youth space is Council’s FReeZA youth music program. It is led by a committee of young people who work together to stage six live music events each year.

The next is this Sunday 30 March at the Deans Marsh Festival, where the FReeZA live music stage will showcase young musicians from all over the local area between 10am and 3pm.

“We have young musicians who might join our FReeZA program when they’re in year 7 or 8, and you see them play their first gig and they come off the stage, and they’re absolutely buzzing,” Jack said.

“That just gets the ball rolling. Some of them are now playing gigs at the bigger festivals and venues on the Surf Coast or in Geelong.

“They absolutely love their music and it has created a real community for them – it’s their passion and it’s what gets them excited.”

Skills to look after the planet and themselves

Other initiatives during the year include the Youth For Climate program – which will host a free two-day workshop at Common Ground Project in Freshwater Creek during the upcoming school holidays.

Participants will harvest fresh vegetables, learn about regenerative farming, and cook delicious healthy meals.

During the Winter holidays, the team will host its annual work skills program, featuring short courses related to common careers or sources of work on the Surf Coast, including trades and the hospitality industry.

Helping young people find their niche

And in September, it’s the Find Your Niche program, with short courses or demonstrations in a wide range of interest areas, such as pottery, martial arts and upcycling clothing.

Sessions are held across the shire and aim to help young people find their passion.

For more information and to get involved, visit the Surf Coast Youth page on our website or follow Surf Coast Youth on Facebook or Instagram.

Our Youth Development team’s work is supported by funding from the Victorian Government.