The IMPACT youth hub opened today and includes virtual reality headsets, Makey Makey program, 3D printer, 360 degree cameras. 

The space is located in the Rise building in Katherine Terrace. 

Rise Territory manager Emma Eccles said the youth space will be open during office hours 9am – 5pm. 

“If there is a particular group that wants to come in after hours we will facilitate that,” Ms Eccles said. 

“We will operate on a needs basis and after we get feedback from youth agencies we can always change the hours, we are flexible.”

Ms Eccles said the IMPACT hub will succeed where other youth drop-in centres have failed in the past. 

“We are not just reliant on one bucket of funding, if we see something working in the community we are not going to shut the door on it,” Ms Eccles said. 

“This space was funded by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, we received $150,000 for 12 months. 

“We are about engaging youth and we want to assist them to re-engage with education and/or employment,” she said. 

Ms Eccles said they have employed two new youth workers to mentor and guide young people.

“The youth hub is open to all youth aged 14 to 24 years,” Ms Eccles said.