Youth Services tell all at first ever Open Day

Ever wonder what goes on at Wollongong Youth Services? For the first time ever, we’re throwing the doors open to the whole community to showcase why it’s been a long-standing haven for young people since 1992.

On Thursday 22 January, we’re hosting our first Wollongong Youth Services Open Day. This is a rare chance for people to explore our vibrant space, check out the facilities, and discover the programs and support services designed to empower young people aged 12 to 24 years old.

Held between 1-8pm there’ll be plenty of things to see and do. There will be information booths from local services, art workshops run by our Young Artists in Residences Amelie Masset and George Williams, guided tours by our Youth Services team, barista and music workshops and more!

From 4-6pm, the centre’s courtyard will be filled with live music from local young bands In the Crosshair, Primastatic and Total Fire which will complement the free BBQ and slushies, ice baths and giveaways also on offer.

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown is encouraging everyone to come along and get a taste of the invaluable role Youth Services play within our community.

“For more than 30 years, Wollongong Youth Services has been a key pillar in our community and has taken great care in fostering our city’s young people,” she said.

“From music gigs, basketball games and after school workshops and programs, Youth Services is a sanctuary for different people for different reasons. In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever that we’re offering safe and inclusive spaces for young people to connect and grow offline.

“What makes our Youth Services special is that everything that is run and led is inspired by young people. They tell us what they’re curious about, their passions, skills they want to learn and more. Our team listens and finds opportunities where they can support this.”

In 2025, over 24,000 young people participated in more than 55 different programs, events and workshops run by Youth Services. It saw exciting things like For the Record Podcast launch, Thrills and Skills bike safety program and music events such as Music for the Mind, Jamble Bells, New Band Jam and Teach Me How.

More recently, the centre’s building panels have been updated for the newest ‘Through Our Lens’ exhibition. This iteration was presented in collaboration with Wollongong Flexible School, showcasing an array of photos of Wollongong photographed by their students.

“The Open Day will reveal all the secrets of the Youth Centre and why the service can help you or a young person in your life,” Cr Brown said.

“Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a parent, service provider, carer or fellow young person. Don’t miss your chance on making the most of our free services for 2026 and beyond.”

For more information and updates visit our website or follow Wollongong Youth Services on Facebook and Instagram.

Wollongong Youth Services Open Day Details

When: 1-8pm, Thursday 22 January 2026

Where: Wollongong Youth Services, 85 Burelli Street Wollongong

What:

• Information booths from local services including MCCI, NSW Police, Headspace, SYFS, Workplace Learning, Caddyshack, Dress for Success, Benevolent Society, OCTEC, Disability Trust, ITEC – from 1pm
• Wollongong City Council services including Engagement and Libraries will also be available during the afternoon
• Art workshops – 1-3pm (painting) run by Young Artist in Residence George William and 4-6pm (drawing) run by Young Artist in Residence Amelie Masset
• Music workshops – 1-3pm (sampling/recording) run by the Youth Services staff.
• Barista workshops – learn how to make your very own café specialised coffee from former Barista workshop participants. There are two sessions held at 1-3pm and 4-6pm
• Live music from local young bands In the Crosshair, Primastatic and Total Fire between 4-6pm
• Free BBQ in the forecourt from 5pm
• Drop-in activities between 3-8pm
• Guided tours, giveaways, games, ice bath and slushies