By Michael Burt
A Bello Youth Hub revival is underway via a return to local expertise and community-led programs from Youth2Adult Incorporated (Y2A).
Bellingen Shire Council identified Youth2Adult Incorporated (Y2A) as the preferred provider to operate the Hub under an interim service agreement of up to 12 months at its August General Meeting.
No formal agreement has been executed yet, but Council intends to proceed with contracts “as soon as practicable”.
Y2A has a long history of youth support within Bellingen Shire, including delivery of Pathways Rite of Passage programs for young men, management of a youth bush camp, participation in and management of the Bellingen Youth Space.
Y2A chair Dean Besley said Youth to Adult Inc. (Y2A) was formed in 2004 with the aim of developing a stronger and richer sense of community through supporting local projects for young people and families experiencing important transitions in life.
“We are absolutely delighted with the Council’s decision and looking forward to working to see what the next stage of Youth Hub looks like,” Mr Besley said.
“We were asked by the community to help, and we are delighted to be able to put our hands up and bring back the experience the community has in running a successful hub.”
Mr Besley said Y2A is a not-for-profit incorporated association with members from diverse backgrounds.
“Y2A is comprised of local community members that have all been involved in support youth in some way shape or form. There are school teachers, lawyers, doctors, a former councillor and a school principal.”
“The advisory committee that has been supporting the Youth Hub since its inception are all part of Y2A and will be on the advisory committee for the year ahead.”
The decision follows an assessment process undertaken after Council resolved in July to establish an interim service arrangement following advice that the current agreement with Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire would conclude on 31 August 2026.
Bellingen Shire Council General Manager, Mark Griffioen, said the interim process had focused on establishing a safe and viable service while recognising the importance of the Hub’s established purpose and community context.
“Y2A demonstrated a strong understanding of the Hub’s history and community context, together with a model that provides for community participation and youth involvement,” Mr Griffioen said.
“There is still detailed work to complete as the interim agreement and transition arrangements are finalised, including ensuring the required governance, safeguarding and operational systems are in place.”
Mr Griffioen said the interim appointment does not determine Council’s preferred long-term model for the Youth Hub.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr Steve Allan, said his focus was on achieving the best possible outcome for young people across the Bellingen Shire.
“Council wants to ensure young people remain at the centre of both the interim arrangements and the longer-term future of the Hub,” Mayor Allan said.
“That means providing a service that is safe, accessible and responsive to young people, while also ensuring there is a meaningful role for families, volunteers, community organisations and service providers in supporting positive outcomes for youth across the Shire.”
Council will undertake a broader review over the coming months examining the future service model, governance arrangements, community and youth participation, partnerships, By Michael Burt
A Bello Youth Hub revival is underway via a return to local expertise and community-led programs from Youth2Adult Incorporated (Y2A).
B
ellingen Shire Council identified Youth2Adult Incorporated (Y2A) as the preferred provider to operate the Hub under an interim service agreement of up to 12 months at its August General Meeting.
No formal agreement has been executed yet, but Council intends to proceed with contracts “as soon as practicable”.
Y2A has a long history of youth support within Bellingen Shire, including delivery of Pathways Rite of Passage programs for young men, management of a youth bush camp, participation in and management of the Bellingen Youth Space.
Y2A chair Dean Besley said Youth to Adult Inc. (Y2A) was formed in 2004 with the aim of developing a stronger and richer sense of community through supporting local projects for young people and families experiencing important transitions in life.
“We are absolutely delighted with the Council’s decision and looking forward to working to see what the next stage of Youth Hub looks like,” Mr Besley said.
“We were asked by the community to help, and we are delighted to be able to put our hands up and bring back the experience the community has in running a successful hub.”
Mr Besley said Y2A is a not-for-profit incorporated association with members from diverse backgrounds.
“Y2A is comprised of local community members that have all been involved in support youth in some way shape or form. There are school teachers, lawyers, doctors, a former councillor and a school principal.”
“The advisory committee that has been supporting the Youth Hub since its inception are all part of Y2A and will be on the advisory committee for the year ahead.”
The decision follows an assessment process undertaken after Council resolved in July to establish an interim service arrangement following advice that the current agreement with Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire would conclude on 31 August 2026.
Bellingen Shire Council General Manager, Mark Griffioen, said the interim process had focused on establishing a safe and viable service while recognising the importance of the Hub’s established purpose and community context.
“Y2A demonstrated a strong understanding of the Hub’s history and community context, together with a model that provides for community participation and youth involvement,” Mr Griffioen said.
“There is still detailed work to complete as the interim agreement and transition arrangements are finalised, including ensuring the required governance, safeguarding and operational systems are in place.”
Mr Griffioen said the interim appointment does not determine Council’s preferred long-term model for the Youth Hub.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr Steve Allan, said his focus was on achieving the best possible outcome for young people across the Bellingen Shire.
“Council wants to ensure young people remain at the centre of both the interim arrangements and the longer-term future of the Hub,” Mayor Allan said.
“That means providing a service that is safe, accessible and responsive to young people, while also ensuring there is a meaningful role for families, volunteers, community organisations and service providers in supporting positive outcomes for youth across the Shire.”
Council will undertake a broader review over the coming months examining the future service model, governance arrangements, community and youth participation, partnerships,
