Resilient Futures for our Young People
The project proposes a centrally located Youth Hub in the Macedon Ranges, close to public transport, schools and businesses, to give young people easy access to coordinated, youth‑friendly wellbeing supports.
Local data shows a clear and urgent need for accessible services:
- About 1 in 3 young people (29–33%) in the shire report high psychological distress—above the Victorian regional average (Source: Resilient Youth Australia Survey – Macedon Ranges, 2022–23).
- Nearly 40% feel lonely “often” or “most of the time” (Source: Resilient Youth Australia Survey – Macedon Ranges, 2022–23).
- More than 60% say distance, transport or cost prevent them from accessing help (Source: VicHealth Young People Survey – Loddon Campaspe Region, 2021).
- Schools are reporting rising issues relating to anxiety, depression, vaping, alcohol and early gambling behaviours (Source: School Wellbeing Team Reports – Loddon Campaspe, DET 2023; Crime Statistics Agency Victoria – Youth AOD Trends, 2023).
The Youth Hub will provide a single, welcoming hub offering mental health support, drug and alcohol and gambling harm-minimisation programs, and youth engagement activities that build belonging, safety and connection.
By partnering with public and private providers of Medicare-funded and specialist services, the Youth Hub will create strong pathways to more intensive care for young people needing ongoing support.
This project will deliver a local, reliable, stigma-free entry point to early help, reduce pressure on crisis services, and strengthen the long-term wellbeing and resilience of young people across the Macedon Ranges.
Benefits
This project will deliver significant benefits to young people in the Macedon Ranges and neighbouring local government areas by strengthening access to timely, appropriate, and locally tailored mental health support.
By reducing wait times and embedding the voices of young people at the centre of service design and delivery—through initiatives such as the Macedon Ranges Youth Summit and youth advisory groups—the project ensures that services remain responsive, relevant, and continuously improved.
Through early intervention, crisis support, and a connected care model, the project aims to reduce the suicide rate among young people and lower hospital admissions related to acute mental health episodes.
Addressing current service gaps in prevention and early intervention will generate broader community benefits, including greater inclusion, reduced social isolation, and improved educational and employment outcomes.
In addition to these social impacts, the project will strengthen the local economy by creating employment opportunities, attracting qualified mental health and wellbeing practitioners to rural areas, and supporting staff retention through clear career pathways and strong community connections. Together, these outcomes will build a healthier, more resilient community while fostering sustainable economic growth in the region.
Project costs
A summary of estimated project costs and funding sources.
| Funding received ($) |
Council funding ($) |
Funding sought ($) |
Total estimated project cost ($) |
| 150,000 |
40,000 (plus in-kind project management support) |
2 million (to support staffing and fit-out of a physical facility, to provide integrated services) |
Up to 3 million |
Project timeline
Time is of the essence. This project is shovel-ready, supported by Council and community partners, and aligned with party commitments to strengthen and expand youth mental health services.
Community testimonials
"A dedicated Youth Hub is not just an investment in services — it is an investment in prevention, connection, and the future wellbeing of our young people through which we can intervene earlier, reduce pressure on crisis services, and ensure they get help close to home, something young people themselves have been asking for.” - Jeremy Hearne, Executive Director Mental Health and Social Impact, Omnia Community Health