Shepparton’s newest youth space opens

By Caleb Francis

Mar 13, 2023

Happy: Darcy Atkinson and Kharly Scott made biscuits for guests attending the launch.

Greater Shepparton’s newest youth space, known as OLLY, has officially opened.

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On Tuesday, March 7, GOTAFE and Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project officially launched OLLY, which stands for Opportunities and Life Links for Youth.

The new program offers a welcoming and non-judgmental space for young people, and is located at GOTAFE’s Fryers St campus in Shepparton.

Participants have access to food, the relevant services they require and a positive social and learning space.

Ceremony: GOTAFE executive director corporate services Nick Gray, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project executive officer Amy Robinson, and Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project board chair Adam Furphy cut the ribbon at the official opening of OLLY.

“GOTAFE and the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project share the same focus on ensuring people have opportunities to discover their full potential,” GOTAFE executive director corporate services Nick Gray said.

“Together, we are putting resources and strategies in place to address some of the issues impacting young people, and will improve the future for all generations to come,” he said.

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project executive officer Amy Robinson emphasised that the space was created for youth.

“Young people own this space (and) we will continue to listen and adapt to ensure we meet (their) ongoing needs,” she said.