We, the undersigned, hereby submit this formal petition to the Victorian State Government, urging the reinstatement of funds for Latrobe Youth Space to enable us to secure our funding model and future.

Our objective is to ensure that the youth of Gippsland aged 12-25, don't lose their safe space and essential services.

Latrobe Youth Space has proven to be an invaluable resource for the young people in our community, providing them with a safe and supportive environment where they can access a wide range of essential services, be involved and respected in decisions about their community and their future.

Latrobe Youth Space provides consistent, reliable support, ensuring basic needs are met for young locals to be healthy and well, through access to mental health support, pathways assistance to employment and education, develop life skills for independence, provides recreational activities to develop skills and social connections, develop local pride, build young peoples’ confidence and aspirations, inclusive decision making and co-design, leadership opportunities and much much more. Youth Space has played a crucial role in empowering the youth of Gippsland, helping them grow and thrive as individuals.

However, due to budget cuts, Latrobe Youth Space is facing the risk of imminent closure - from January 2024. This would have a devastating impact on the young people of our community, leaving them without a safe space to seek guidance, support, and opportunities for personal growth. The closure of Latrobe Youth Space would not only deprive them of essential services but also undermine their sense of belonging and community. Other service providers, partners and stakeholders of Latrobe Youth Space, including local secondary schools, would also lose a vital resource, support and referral pathway.

We, the undersigned, firmly believe that the youth of Gippsland deserve access to a safe and empowering environment, where they can develop their skills, build relationships, and overcome the challenges they face. By reinstating funds for Latrobe Youth Space, the Victorian State Government can ensure meaningful and sustained action for young Gippslanders by ensuring this crucial resource remains available to our regional youth, providing them with the support they need to navigate their journey into adulthood successfully and as the Victorian Youth Strategy intends. 

Therefore, we call upon the Victorian State Government to give due consideration to this matter and take immediate action to reinstate funds for Latrobe Youth Space in Gippsland. By doing so, Government will allow Youth Space to secure its funding model and plan for our future sustainability. This will not only benefit the current generation but also ensure that future generations have access to essential services and support.

We, the undersigned, affix our signatures to this petition in support of reinstating funds for Latrobe Youth Space. 

If you are under 18 - IN THE CITY FIELD WRITE: 'Young Person'