Youth Development Program

Rockhampton Regional Council Youth Development Program provides a range of developmental support and activities to young people across the Rockhampton Region, with particular emphasis on areas with identified Youth service gaps (re Capricorn Coast, Gracemere, rural communities) and specific localities with emerging youth issues impacting community and youth wellbeing. 

The service delivery model is based on a Youth Development approach which supports individual young people by linking them to other youth with similar issues (via focused youth programs, activities, support) and/or to appropriate support services and programs (re for individual specific support) that meet their specific needs and aspirations.

Funding

The Program has a service agreement with the Queensland State Government’s Department of Communities which provides funding to help meet some of the salary costs of running the program.  Particular emphasis of the funding received is to support young people who face socio-economic disadvantage, social exclusion and difficulties in accessing services, facilities and life opportunities enjoyed by the wider community.

Key Outcomes for Young People

• Greater awareness of support services that are available to them;
• Acquiring skills that enable them to have better relationships with their peers, family, school and community networks;
• Improved integration with the community, school, training, employment and access to other community support agencies;
• Young people have a sense of belonging and a ‘stake’ in the place in which they live;
• Communities plan, develop, and deliver effective responses to the needs of young people;
• Young people develop social and personal skills for independent and successful community living;
• Young people are assisted in the transition towards economic independence;
• Young people are encouraged to take leadership roles in the community;
• Young people are assisted to develop life skills which reduce the likelihood of contact with the Youth Justice system.

Geographic Coverage and Location

Youth Development Program Staff are based at the Community Development Centre, 80 John Street, Yeppoon and also run VerbYL Youth Space, three afternoons per week (Wednesday to Friday) at 40 James Street Yeppoon.   Contact with other areas in the Region is undertaken periodically via face to face liaison, meetings,  one off events/programs, telephone and email contact .

Youth Development Team

• Rhonda Noyes - Operations Manager Community Development
• John Rakena – Youth Development Officer
• Sarah Owen – Youth Worker

Further Information

Phone:  07 4939 4740
Fax: 1300 22 55 79
Email: enquiries@rrc.qld.gov.au
Address: PO Box 1860, Rockhampton Q 4700

verbYL Youth Space

40 James St, Yeppoon
Phone: 4939 4740

What is verbYL?

verbYL is a youth space provided for all youth (12-25yrs) in the region by Rockhampton Regional Council. The space is operated and fully supervised by Council’s Youth Services including a Youth Worker and Youth Development Officer.

verbYL is a drug and alcohol free space and aims to provide effective youth development through centre based activities and programs, youth focused resources,  linkages to required services and supports and communicating feedback regarding areas of concern for young people.

A Bit of History

The youth space, through the efforts of many dedicated individuals, became a reality in December 2005. verbYL opened as a joint initiative between youth and library services, and today has over 600 members.

What does verbYL offer?

The funky hang out spot has proved welcoming to young citizens by providing youth friendly resources at no cost, including;

• Computer room with internet access
• Games room with X-Box 360 and Playstation
• Kitchen facilities
• Art and Craft area
• Outside area
• Air-conditioning
• Friendly professional staff
• Console games, DVD’s and games
• Youth relevant information in brochures, posters, DVD’s, magazines

verbYL is open 3 days a week, as well as staff being available for assistance during closed hours. The space also runs programs that are fun and informative during opening hours, activities and programs are constantly changing so for more information feel free to contact youth services staff.

When is verbYL open?

Wednesday    3-5PM (general session)
Thursday        3-7PM (general session)
Friday              3-7PM (general session)

Please note: Hours change during school holiday periods and closes on public holidays.

Further Information

For more information please call 4939 4740.