A dedicated Youth Hub in Toormina is about more than a building — it’s about belonging, safety and opportunity. Local young people consistently tell us they need a place where they can spend time after school, connect with peers, access trusted adults, and explore their interests in positive, creative ways. Right now, many young people in Toormina have limited access to safe, youth-friendly spaces that are designed with them in mind, instead they find themselves ‘hanging out’ at Toormina Gardens shopping center or wandering the streets aimlessly.
A Youth Hub would provide a consistent, welcoming environment that supports wellbeing, builds confidence, strengthens community connection and helps prevent young people from becoming isolated or disengaged. Most importantly, it would be a space shaped by young people themselves — reflecting their ideas, needs and strengths, and recognising them as valued members of the Toormina community.
This clear need is exactly what drives our ongoing conversations with Council and community and informs every step we take to make a Youth Hub in Toormina a reality.
Progress can feel slow but for now we wanted to share an important update on the Youth Hub project in Toormina.
Recently, a Becoming U team member met with Mayor Nikki Williams and Cr Cath Fowler to openly explore alternative options for progressing a Youth Hub. The need for a dedicated youth space in Toormina didn’t need to be debated — it is already deeply understood and acknowledged by both Mayor Nikki Williams and Cr Cath Fowler. Instead, the conversation was focused on where it matters most: honestly updating each other on the work that has (or hasn’t) been done and on solutions.
Together, we discussed what can be actioned immediately, what is realistic in the short term, and how we continue working towards a long-term, sustainable Youth Hub for Toormina. Importantly, multiple ideas raised by Bongil Bongil Youth Collective young people over the past few months were listened to respectfully and explored in a genuine, solution-focused way.
While nothing has been locked in yet, Mayor Nikki clearly hears our requests, agrees that the need is real, and is demonstrating a strong commitment to finding a pathway forward. A Council employee with many years of relevant experience has now been allocated specifically to actioning the Youth Hub in Toormina, which is a significant and encouraging step. Becoming U will continue to meet with council to ensure that this project continues to progress.
Mayor Nikki has also provided us with a follow-up phone call update, reinforcing her commitment and showing us that this is more than words — there is real movement happening behind the scenes.
We know how long young people and the community have been calling for a Youth Hub in Toormina. This update doesn’t mark the finish line, but it does reflect meaningful progress, strengthened relationships, and a shared determination to turn our community’s voice into action.
We’ll continue to keep the community informed as this work progresses.
