Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative offers a wide range of Aboriginal youth programs in Geelong, including mentoring, cultural learning, sports like boxing and basketball, and school holiday activities.

Wathaurong’s youth programs (for ages 0-28) are creating safe spaces and connections to culture right here in Wadda Wurrung Country (Djilang/Geelong). Jasmine, Team Leader of the Youth Hub, says, ‘Parents tell us their kids are always asking when the next program is and when they can come back. For many, it’s the highlight of their week.’

In this blog, we’ll explore why Aboriginal youth programs are so important, and what programs you’ll find for young people at Wathaurong.

If you’re a parent, carer, or young person looking to get involved, you can connect with Wathaurong’s Youth Services team by emailing youth@wathaurong.org.au or calling (03) 5277 0044.

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What are the benefits of Aboriginal youth programs?

Aboriginal youth programs do a lot more than fill spare time. Research shows they:

• Boost education and skills: Homework support and mentoring help students feel more engaged, communicate better, and build their confidence in learning.
  
• Strengthen cultural identity: Attachments to Indigenous culture, community, and identity are important contributors to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal children.
  
• Support mental health: Safe spaces and positive role models reduce isolation and provide support networks, boosting children’s social and emotional wellbeing.
  
• Build resilience: Programs that focus on leadership, recreation, and wellbeing give young people tools to make strong choices.

Plus, they’re fun! Wathaurong’s youth programs bring young people together to laugh, learn, and make friendships that keep them coming back week after week. 

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Karroong Kanyool Youth Hub – what programs are available?

Karroong Kanyool (which means ‘home of the young’ in Wadda Wurrung language) is Wathaurong’s dedicated space for our young mob to come together and connect. We’ve got calming sensory rooms, computer labs for learning or just hanging out, and one of our most popular features, our outdoor basketball half-court. 

Plus, we’ve got dedicated consulting rooms for youth to get support from GPs or counsellors and a firepit to sit around and have a yarn.

A unique feature of our youth services is that we support people from birth all the way to age 28, so even people in their 20s can benefit from our services and bring their kids along too. 

Here’s a closer look at the Aboriginal youth programs we offer.

YAM (Youth Aboriginal Mentoring) Program

Every Monday during term, 4–5:30pm, we run the YAM program, open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children of primary school age.

What started as a homework club has grown into a night of fun cultural activities. One week we might be planting a veggie garden, the next we’ll play memory games with cultural symbols. We’ve got heaps of kids signed up, and for many, it’s the highlight of their week.

Youth Group (12–28 years)

On Wednesdays, our 12-28-year-olds gather for group activities. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to possum skin burning, games nights to table tennis tournaments, the Youth Hub buzzes with energy. Young people are free to join in the activity or simply hang out, eat together, and connect with peers and mentors.

Boys’ Program

This program gives young Aboriginal boys a culturally safe space to connect and learn with the guidance of community role models. It’s a casual program where you can shoot hoops, have a yarn, and feel supported.

Isaiah, who runs the Boys’ Program, says, ‘It’s about creating a space where young boys can get to know each other, hang out, and connect with good mentors and respected men in the community.’

Boxing Program

Wathaurong’s boxing program is all about fitness, discipline, and having a laugh. Young people learn real boxing drills like pad work, footwork, and combos. Sessions are high-energy, with gloves thumping and plenty of encouragement from trainers and each other. Suitable for ages 5-28.

School holiday programs

When school’s out, Wathaurong steps in with Aboriginal youth programs that combine fun and culture. Past sessions have included silent discos, rollerblading, cultural learning, laser tag, and even a kids’ comedy workshop! These programs give kids something to look forward to, and parents peace of mind that their children are safe and engaged.

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Building belonging and confidence

The magic of these programs is often in the small moments. A child discovering they’re good at a particular sport. A teenager finding pride in their culture. A quiet young person leaving with a smile and new friends.

‘I’ve noticed kids come in shy,’ Team Leader of the Youth Hub says, ‘but by the time they leave, they’ve made friends and they’re smiling, running around, and feeling comfortable.’

These moments build resilience that carries into school, family, and community life. For Aboriginal youth in Geelong, Wathaurong’s programs are more than activities. They’re cultural lifelines.

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How to get involved in our Aboriginal youth programs

Wathaurong’s Youth Services are open to young Aboriginal people and families across Geelong. From weekly after-school programs to mentoring and justice support, there’s a program for every age and need.

If you want to sign up for one of our programs, or if you just have a question, you can:

• Check out Wathaurong’s Events page
• Email us at youth@wathaurong.org.au
• Call us on (03) 5277 0044
• Come visit us at the Karroong Kanyool Youth Hub at 20A Forster St, Norlane.

Young people who are looking for a culturally safe space to connect, Karroong Kanyool is here for you.

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Read more about Aboriginal youth programs

• Wathaurong’s Youth Services | Karroong Kanyool
• How Wathaurong’s Children’s Services Make a Difference in Supporting Aboriginal Children
• How Wathaurong Supports Youth: Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation