The Geeyoung Project is about all young people who live, work, learn or
play in Greater Geelong. The outcome is intended to be more than a plan about
young people in Geelong – it is intended to become a 5-10 year vision for the future
developed by young people.
The Geeyoung Project is supported by the City of Greater Geelong and coordinated
by Mo O’Meara of consulting firm MOHOW.
As a first step, three young people from the Greater Geelong area have been
employed to form the project team – Alex Suwitra (19), Molly White (19) and Kelly
Read (25). They want to hear about what you love about Geelong and what you
would do to make it better.
The Geeyoung Project will result in the development of a Community Youth Strategy
- about arts, culture, sport, education, employment and wellbeing – the great things
in life, not just about the wicked problems.
This isn’t to say that problems aren’t there – they are. We want to reshape the
community rather than be bogged down in the details.
“We are aware that we all have something important to say but not always know how
or have a way to say it – we hope to create a new way”, said Alex Suwitra
Geeyoung wants to hear from everyone in Geelong. Visit the website at
geeyoung.org and express what is working now, your vision for the future and any
ideas for getting there.
We want a real discussion, so we’re encouraging everyone to join us on facebook
and twitter and get involved.
Hearing from young people
We are at an early stage in the Geeyoung Project. We recently attended a music
event on Eastern Beach and talked to a range of young people.We are already hearing from young people. Some of the opinions we have heard so far are:
- Many positives about the music event/gig scene and wanting it to keep growing:
“Music Gigs are fantastic and easy to get to”
“Like the hardcore music scene and how everyone is so lovely toward
each other”- Much interest in and positive assessment of the existing public transport system
with room for future expansion into smaller communities, frequency and lowering
cost – with some suggesting free buses:“The buses and public transport are awesome”
“Like being able to catch a bus to my mate’s house”
“Extra buses needed on the weekends”
- Recognition of improvements to the Geelong CBD and the waterfront. There is a
desire to continue to change some negative perceptions and language about young
people in the CBD – but a big desire to do this by expanding positive life in the CBD
and building on what is working:“Love the waterfront and want to elevate it to an international attraction
…known for its lifestyle and activities”“The parks and the other public spaces that are hangout areas are good”
“I like the prettiness of Eastern Beach and what they have done to improve
the CBD”“Like …how they are finally trying to help the youth in Geelong”
- Importantly, young people are also dreaming of being able to have a career and
future in Geelong. They value the current learning opportunities offered through local
businesses and education facilities“I might live and work in Geelong and help to make it a better place”
“I hope to be a graphic designer and or radio host, which I’m studying to be
through Oxygen Music and the Gordon”
