By Michael Burt
The award-winning Bello Youth Hub is buzzing again as a hive of activities and support for local youth.
More than 350 young people have dropped in for a visit and to welcome back Youth Coordinators Mick Mooney and Kylie Selig since the reopening on 25 September. The bouldering wall is active again, the Two-Way Street youth driving program is back, and the Hub is brimming with support from community organisations and local businesses.
In collaboration with services and community partners, a diverse program of Music, art, exercise, cultural dance, language group and spring holiday activities are also on offer.
Led by local youth and community, Mick said they will be celebrating Hub’s rebirth with an Open Day on Thursday 26 November, from 3:30pm to 6pm.
“We’re inviting all the wonderful people, organisations and community members who have supported the Hub along the way to join the Open day,” Mick said.
“Whether you’ve been involved behind the scenes, worked alongside us, or simply cheered us on, we’d love you to come and celebrate with us. We’re hoping to fill the Hub, inside and out, with activities, music, creativity, connection and plenty of fun.”
Mick said they were excited to welcome the kids back, with new and familiar faces coming through the doors.
“Food, karaoke, music, games and time together have helped make the Hub feel like home again.”
“Our friends at Coastal Harvest, IGA, Kombu, Zaatar Bellingen and Bellingen Kindness Kitchen helped us feed and welcome the kids. A good meal is often where a conversation begins. Their generosity helps us build the relationships at the heart of the Hub.”
Mick said the music room has become a hive of activity since the reopening. A small group is learning to play as a band, with instruments, resources and encouragement and plan to have their first gig at the Open Day. An upright piano donated by the Chamber of Commerce has added another creative element for the burgeoning musicians who want explore their creative voice at the Hub.
“Good news stories are hard to come by these days, but this is a win for community and local action – the community and council fought hard to keep this place local by giving stewardship of the hub to Y2A,” Mick said.
“Whilst we don’t have all the grant resources we once had, we are abundant in community energy. This place is always popping with youthful exuberance, and local entrepreneurs, wellbeing services and community groups fill the rooms – providing much needed funds to support our work – every dollar spent here goes back into the youth of this town.”
The Hub is rebuilding a partnership with Bellingen High School, implementing joint plans for now and into 2027 that include harm feel minimisation and career program.
Organisations like Headspace, Bellingen and Nambucca Youth Service (BNYS), Mission Australia and REconnect are also offering on-site youth training and support services.
“We’re letting the youth and community energy lead us – and we’d love more people involved—small traders, creatives, counsellors. If you need a space, come and talk to us.”
“For us, the Hub has always been about relationships, connection and belonging. A place where young people can come just as they are, safe, share a feed, have a laugh, find support and know someone genuinely cares.”
To get involved with the Bello Youth Hub’s Open Day, contact Kylie or Mick at info@belloyouthhub.net or 0494 733 476.
• The Bello Youth Hub is open from 9.00am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Friday.