By Tate Papworth
What’s your connection to Brimbank?
I am the operations co-ordinator at The Youth Junction Inc. based at the Visy Cares Hub in Sunshine.
What do you like best about the area?
The array of culture that we see daily and rich diversity that makes Sunshine a great place to work and live.
What could be improved?
An increase in activities available to disadvantaged young people outside of normal business hours.
Tell us about your role at Youth Junction.
I have been the operations co-ordinator since May 2017. My role is extremely varied and includes responsibilities in finance, building maintenance, purchasing, liaising with contractors and council staff. No day is the same and that is what I love.
What interests you most about the role?
I enjoy engaging with the staff from the 12 youth services that reside in the Visy Cares Hub. The Hub has over 150 staff from services including legal, disability services, new arrival support, crime prevention, drug and alcohol, learn local and employment services, education and training including our programs that are run by professional facilitators in a variety of trades including barber, barista, cooking, music, soccer and non-clinical therapies. All services are free for young people and it’s great to see them engaging on a daily basis determined to create a better pathway for their future.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
Watching young people come to our organisation and see them excel and their lives turn around due to a combination of theirs and our staffs commitment and determination. It is extremely rewarding to see and makes all of our efforts very much worthwhile.
What’s your biggest challenge?
Understanding the needs of disadvantaged young people and the complexities they face daily. Before starting at The Youth Junction I had not engaged with a young person facing hardship, having moved from a role in corporate finance, I was liaising with a different
demographic.
What do you think the current biggest issue facing Brimbank’s youth is?
Out of hours’ recreational facilities being available in the Brimbank municipality that is free of charge and some service support accessibility should they need assistance with complex issues.
