17 Youth Activities and Services

(Last Update 24 Aug 2008)

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Activities

Sporting Activities

All of the sporting activities listed in the community activities section of this guide are available to young people including: football, netball, basketball, tennis, bowls, soccer, cricket, squash, badminton, athletics, cycling, horse riding, croquet, swimming.

Activities other than Sport

Many activities beyond sport are available to young people in the Kyneton District. Both local secondary Colleges offer extra-curricular acting and instrumental music activities, and the Kyneton Library offers a books to suit all interests. Private tuition in Music and Art is also available and most clubs and organisations welcome young participants.

Kyneton Youth Space

The Kyneton Youth Space is located in Hutton Street, just behind the Kyneton Town Hall. Overseen by the Youth Space OurS Committee it offers a wide range of activities and evening for the young people of Kyneton. Contact Richard Neath of the Shire Youth Development Team (54220242) for further information.

Kyneton Youth Space & Committee

FReeZA Events

Music in the Sticks is a Youth Music Events Committee which meets weekly to plan, program and publicise all ages, drug, alcohol and smoke-free FReeZA events within the Macedon Ranges Shire. Its area of concentration is young people between 12 and 24 with an interest in the music industry. Contact person is Nicholas Hall 54220296.

Air Cadets

430 Squadron Air Cadets operate out of the Drill Hall at 2 Market St Kyneton.

The parade every Friday night between 6.45 and 10pm. Young men and women who are between 12½ and 18years and are Australian citizens are eligible to join. Activities include visiting an operational RAAF base, going on a bivouac, parachuting, learning how to fly & glide and learning how to shoot & handle weapons

For further information visit or phone (54221073) the Drill Hall on training night Friday evening 6.45-10 pm or email lauren.taylor@aafc.org.au

Qriosity Youth Theatre

Activities: Qriosity is the youth component of the Kyneton Theatre Company and aims to provide young members with theatre experience and skills. They perform in the Bluestone Theatre in Hutton Street. Contact is Sheryl Neill 54271251.

Art Classes

Studio Whites conducts Teen Art Classes Mondays-6.30-8pm.Classes are at Studio Whites 134 Mollison St Kyneton. Contact Pauline Morrison Jack on 54226666.

Kyneton Scouts

Open to all interested boys and girls

Sessions: Mon 7-9pm Scout Hall Langley St Contact: Wendy Forrest 54237231

Skate Park

The Kyneton Skate Park is located in Beauchamp St at the side of bottom oval of the Kyneton Showgrounds. Over the summer period the Macedon Ranges Shire Council organises a number skating events in Kyneton and across the Shire (for more information contact Richard Neath on 54220242).

Youth One Act Plays

The Annual Youth One Act Plays Festival is conducted as part of the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival and youth plays are performed in the Bluestone Theatre on the first Friday evening of the Festival (usually the first Friday of September). The local Secondary Colleges and Q’riosity Youth Theatre usually enter plays.

Youth Art Awards

The Kyneton Youth Art Awards are conducted by the Kyneton Rotary Club in conjunction with the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival. Significant prizes are awarded and information about entry is usually communicated through the local Secondary Colleges.

Kyneton Show Idol

There is an over 13 section of this competition which is held in conjunction with the Kyneton Show. Heats are held in early November and the Final on the Friday night of the Kyneton Show on the third weekend of November. Enquiries: Daryl and Denise Sheridan 54221665 or 0419514103.

Church Youth Groups

Baptist Youth Group

Meetings: 2nd Sat and Mon fortnightly  Contact: Ryan Smith 0425 762 912

Services

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Youth Development Team

The Shire Council has a team of four qualified staff who work with the young people of the area to develop programs and events which support and interest the young people of the Shire and its varying districts. Leader of the team is Pauline Neil ph 54220221.

Youth Clinic

The clinic is known as HEARSAY (health education and referral services assisting youth). It is open to young people aged 12 to 25 years who can see a doctor on Monday afternoons between 1 and 5pm at Cobaw Community Health at 47 High St Kyneton.. The service is free and young people are bulk billed. The clinic runs during school terms and is confidential, no appointment is necessary. If an appointment is desired, this can be done by phoning Cobaw on 54211666. The clinic assists young people addressing a range of issues such as asthma, diabetes, injuries, coughs & colds, medical check-ups and issues regarding sexual health or family issues.

A&D Youth Outreach

The Youth Outreach Program is a free service for young people (15-25) living in the Macedon Ranges Shire. The program provides confidential counselling, support and referral for young people who are using alcohol or other drugs. Young people who are affected by someone else’s use of alcohol or other drugs may also use this service to receive support, advice and information. This is a mobile service and appointments are flexible in time and place. A worker is available to meet young people at a variety of places, wherever is most comfortable for the young person. Appointments can be scheduled during the day, or after work or school hours.

Young people can contact this service via reception at Cobaw (54211666) or through direct contact with the youth outreach worker. Young people are contacted within 4 days of initial referral.



Youth Counselling:

This Cobaw program primarily targets 15 to 21 year olds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and face multiple barriers to participate in education, or vocational training and employment.

The program is linked with Cobaw’s Accommodation Support Program and also receives referrals from and works closely with local Secondary Schools, Police, Juvenile Justice and local Employment Agencies.

Young people can self-refer or are often referred by friends or relatives.

The program is also involved with the alternative educational options in the community. They are the Youth Access Program, which provides a certificate of general education, and is delivered from the Kyneton Community and Learning Centre. The other option is the (VCAL) Victorian Certificate for applied Learning.

The program sees many young people get back on track to complete a secondary education or to enter into tertiary study leading them on to employment and sustainable futures. Cobaw’s contact number is 54211666.

Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP)

Cobaw Community Health (54211666) provides accommodation support for people  16 years old & over who are homeless or at risk of it, in the Macedon Ranges Shire

As part of this program Cobaw CHS has three caravans which are specifically for young people. The caravans are primarily used to give young people extra space at their parent’s residence, whilst keeping them within the family and allowing time to work on other ways of reconciliation with the family such as mediation.

WayOut (Rural Victorian Youth & Sexual Diversity Program)

The WayOut project aims to address the needs of same sex attracted young people and challenge homophobia in the community. The group, facilitated by Cobaw Community Health, meets fortnightly and welcomes young people aged 14-25 years whether they are gay, straight, bi or not sure. Contact is Sue Hackney on 54211619.