Youth hub for vulnerable children at risk of closing

Gippsland Youth Spaces in Morwell, a hub providing support to vulnerable young people, is at risk of closure due to lack of funding. The organization, which has been serving the Latrobe Valley region for five years, offers services such as free meals, laundry facilities, social activities, and training to help youth re-engage with education and employment.

Board member Jewel Burchell-Robins warns that shutting down the youth space programs would leave at-risk young people without support, potentially leading to increased anti-social behavior and suicide. The Latrobe Valley faces high rates of youth crime and unemployment. The organization, originally operating from three locations, has relied on grant money and local business donations, with recent funding reductions.

Local businessman Ray Massaro has provided support through donations. However, executive officer Trevor Carstein states that without additional funding, the organization's days are numbered, with only 10 to 12 months of operation remaining. The Latrobe Valley currently has 2,300 young people enrolled in the program, and without support, these vulnerable youth would lose their safety net.

The state government has provided over $9 million in funding to the organization since its establishment, with the hope of securing a sustainable operating pathway for the future.