Rockingham Youth Centre celebrates two years of empowering young people

The Rockingham Youth Centre (RYC) recently celebrated its second birthday with more than 9000 young people accessing its services since it opened.

Located on MacKinnon Street in Rockingham, the RYC is the City’s purpose-built facility for young people aged 12 - 24.

The programs and services delivered at the RYC are focused on building resilience in young people, supporting them to achieve their aspirations, and to celebrate the positive contribution they make to the community. 

Since opening in March 2021 over 2000 hours of programs, events and activities have been delivered for young people. 

These include pridespace, Breakthrough Music Competition, Youth Beach Party, Level Up resume and job clinics, Mooriboordap Djoowak (an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural program), and the Rockingham Youth Reference Group (RYRG). 

Mayor Deb Hamblin said the RYC was pivotal to delivering positive outcomes for young people and fulfilling the City’s strategic aspiration of growing and nurturing community connectivity and well-being. 

“More than a decade of hard work went into planning and delivering the RYC, and the City is pleased to see the positive impact the facility is having for young people in our community,” Mayor Hamblin said. 

“Having young people at the heart of RYC has been integral to its growth, and a key part of the RYC’s evolution over the past two years has stemmed from the contribution of the RYRG. 

"The RYRG has played a massive part in the development of the RYC, the City’s Strategy for Children and Young People, and they have also provided feedback on the delivery of a number of youth programs.” 

The RYC is a place where young people can express their flair and creativity. PIC: City of Rockingham

Kiera Fuller, who is a 16-year-old RYRG member, said it was incredibly important for local young people to have access to a place like the RYC.  

“The best part about being involved with the RYC and the RYRG is the like-minded people we get to encounter. The Youth Centre gives us a safe space to be authentically ourselves, share ideas and create change within Rockingham,” Kiera said. 

Long term RYRG member Harlee Mansfield praised the positive environment at the RYC and the way young people’s skills are embraced through a variety of programs.  

“It's very important for young people to have a space like this in the community because it can be like a home away from home if their home life isn’t suited for them. By creating a positive environment for the young people of Rockingham it helps them build confidence to succeed.” Harlee said.

For the autumn school holidays the RYC will be delivering an array of activities and programs, for more information visit rockingham.wa.gov.au/community/young-people/youth-events-and-activities  

Workshops and activities of all varieties are hosted at the facility. PIC: City of Rockingham