CTM Links – Youth Space Restart Project

The Tieri Youth Space Restart Project seeks to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for the young people of Tieri, with youth from neighbouring towns such as Capella and Middlemount also welcome to join.

In partnership with UnitingCare IFS, the project’s core objective is to empower local youth, aged 10-16 years, by directly involving them in shaping their own hang out space at Tieri Community Church on Grasstree Street. Collectively, they will contribute to decisions about everything from the structure and layout, to activity ideas and afternoon teas, ensuring the space truly reflects their interests and needs.

The Youth Space will be coordinated by Kath and the CTM LINKS team, with on-ground support from one or two Family Support Workers from the UnitingCare Emerald Intensive Family Unit. Parents of the youths will also be invited to volunteer their involvement, as well as additional service organisations whose programs align with the needs of youth, families, and the wider community.

The venue for the Youth Space – Tieri Community Church – will be provided in-kind thanks to the Queensland Baptist Organisation.

We’re really excited by this project, though it’s still in its early stages. The first step will be to invite Tieri’s young people to a roundtable discussion to share their ideas and vision for what the Youth Space should look like,” explains Kath.

To support the project setup, Kath plans to apply for funding through Glencore’s Community Investment SmartyGrant program. “This will enable us to purchase youth-requested resources such as a basketball hoop, hula hoops, footballs, a gaming console, and audio equipment for outdoor movies.”

Looking ahead, the sustainability of the Youth Space will rely on combining grant funding with strong community partnerships. Whilst successful grant applications will provide essential financial resources, developing relationships with local businesses, organisations, support services, and schools will create opportunities to collaborate and share resources.
Local businesses can contribute in many ways – sponsorships, donations, or in-kind support – while schools and service providers can deliver a wide variety of engaging youth-focused programs and mentoring opportunities.

“This holistic, collaborative approach will ensure the Youth Space remains responsive to the needs of Tieri’s young people, while embedding the program within the wider community network,” explains Kath.

“By working together, we aim to build a youth program that is inclusive, supported, and sustainable well into the future.”

If you would like to get involved in the project, please reach out to Kath on (07) 4984 8349 or via tieri@ctmlinks.com.au.