Current Situation
- Fitzies Youth Hub provides an important safe space for young people in the Sorell community, offering opportunities for connection, support, activities, and positive engagement.
- The Youth Hub plays a valuable role in helping young people build friendships, access support services, develop skills and participate in community activities.
- The Youth Hub is currently only open limited days and closes at 4:30pm. Many students do not finish school until after 3:00pm, meaning young people have a very short window to access the service after school.
- Kids who go to school outside of Sorell generally arrive at 4:30pm when Fitzies is closed.
- With increasing population growth across the Sorell area, including more young families moving into the region, demand for accessible youth services is expected to continue growing.
The Issue
- Young people need access to safe, inclusive and supervised spaces throughout the week, particularly after school when they may otherwise have limited options for positive activities and support.
- Limited operating days and early closing times can prevent young people from accessing Fitzies due to school commitments, employment, sport, family responsibilities or transport challenges.
- Without adequate youth services, some young people may experience greater social isolation and fewer opportunities to connect with their peers and community.
- Sorell Council should work with the Tasmanian Government to secure ongoing funding support to ensure youth services can meet the needs of our growing community.
My Plan
- Advocate for Fitzies Youth Hub to expand operations to 5 days per week to provide greater consistency and accessibility for young people.
- Work with the Tasmanian Government to secure additional funding support to:
- Increase staffing capacity.
- Extend opening hours until 6:30pm
- Support additional youth programs, activities and community engagement opportunities.
- Develop a partnership approach between Sorell Council, state government agencies, local schools and community organisations to strengthen youth support services.
- Engage with young people to understand what programs, activities and services they would like to see delivered through Fitzies.
- Ensure Fitzies continues to be a welcoming, safe and inclusive space where young people feel supported and valued.
The Benefits
- Provides young people with more opportunities to access a safe and supportive environment.
- Reduces social isolation by creating more opportunities for connection and belonging.
- Supports young people’s wellbeing, confidence and personal development.
- Gives families greater confidence knowing their children have access to positive community spaces.
- Helps prevent issues before they escalate by providing early support and positive engagement.
- Strengthens partnerships between Council, government and the community.
- Ensures Sorell’s youth services grow alongside our rapidly expanding population.