Young people

Young people

We celebrate the role that young people play in a healthy and thriving community.

Young people can be passionate change-makers, at the forefront of progressive thinking and policy ideas. When supported well, young people add life, colour and energy to the whole community. They bring a different perspective to that of adults. When heard, their input improves our decision making and enriches our community.

We are committed to providing young people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences with opportunities to thrive, be heard and reach their aspirations.

To learn more about the work we do with and for young people see the Youth Commitment 2021-23.

Youth programs

Our youth programs provide activities, events and support for young people who live in and visit the city.

We run our youth programs from the Youth Arts and Recreation Centre. The team create and deliver fun, safe and engaging projects and events with and for young people in the community.

Our youth programs aim to:

  • ensure young people are active partners
  • consult with young people
  • maintain and develop facilities for young people
  • facilitate and support a range of learning opportunities for young people
  • develop a range of responses to issues identified by young people
  • create access to information relevant to young people
  • represent young people in networks and partnerships.

Youth Arts and Recreation Centre (YARC)

The Youth Arts and Recreation Centre is located in City Hall, at 1 Market Place, Hobart.

It is a creative, exciting, and safe space for all young people aged 12–25. It's a great place to:

  • meet up with friends
  • get involved in art, dance, music or recreation workshops
  • use the facilities
  • check out an art exhibition
  • see a music gig.

Best of all, most things are free.

To see what workshops and events are currently on offer visit the YARC Facebook page, or visit the YARC website.

YARC is open for young people to drop in and hang out every Tuesday to Friday, 3 - 6 pm.

The centre is also available for hire. It has a range of facilities including an art studio, music studio, kitchen, versatile recreation space, a performance stage with a PA system and more. Learn more on the venue for hire page.

It is a venue for cultural projects, fund raising, art, dance and music events. If you need a venue for your community event, workshop or function please contact us on 0438 079 588 or email youthartsandrec@hobartcity.com.au

Outdoor youth work

Outdoor youth work includes activities in public spaces such as:

  • Franklin Square
  • Elizabeth Mall
  • North and West Hobart skate parks
  • major community events such as National Youth Week.

These events celebrate the talents and skills of young people in creative and recreational activities. They also increase young people's positive engagement with the wider community.

Outdoor youth work also includes consultation with young people on the street as well as city centre businesses. It is often undertaken in partnership with other youth organisations such as the Hobart Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC).

Youth Advisory Squad

We have formed the Youth Advisory Squad (YAS) to provide a formal mechanism to represent the interests and opinions of young people in Hobart.

Consultation achieves many important outcomes for the City, young people and the broader community. These include:

  • representing the views and needs of young people who live, study, work and play within the Hobart municipal area
  • creating links between young people, the community and the City of Hobart
  • being involved in the planning, development and implementation of City of Hobart activities that are specific to or involve young people
  • identifying and addressing the aspirations, goals, issues, concerns and gaps in services for young people
  • participating in the development and implementation of City of Hobart policies that relate to young people
  • actively promoting a positive image of youth within the Hobart municipal area and greater community
  • building positive relationships/partnerships with a variety of community groups within the Hobart municipal area.
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