A new mobile hub for young people in Wyndham will soon take to the streets thanks to support from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas officially launched the new Wyndham Street Surfer Bus on behalf of Local Government Minister Shaun Leane today.

The $1.5 million bus will increase access to youth services across Wyndham, bringing programs, events and support for young people to areas that are distant from existing bricks-and-mortar service centres.

The project received $1 million from the 2019 round of the Growing Suburbs Fund. Wyndham City Council contributed an additional $560,000.

The new bus replaces an older model and will now meet community demand for the popular service. It will be equipped with wifi, music and sports equipment, including a basketball hoop and soccer goals, an outdoor LCD screen for gaming and movies, computers and other modern equipment.

Youth services, including counselling, legal consults, a foodbank, employment advice and alternate education programs, will be available at the bus, which will be on the road 4-6 days and nights a week.

The Growing Suburbs Fund is a $325 million investment over six years in critical local infrastructure in Melbourne’s diverse and fast-growing outer suburbs.

Since 2015, Wyndham City Council has received over $27 million in funding to support the delivery of 20 priority projects.

More information on the Growing Suburbs Fund is available at: https://www.localgovernmentvic.gov.au/growing-suburbs-fund

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Hon Shaun Leane

“I’m really pleased to see the new Street Surfer bus up and running. Through investing in assets like this we’re delivering real benefits for communities like Wyndham.”

“The Growing Suburbs Fund is making sure all Victorians get access to the best facilities and services. It’s built a fantastic legacy across our fastest-growing communities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas MP

“The Street Surfer bus is a fantastic new mobile facility that will take the council’s youth services into areas that may not have had access to the full benefits of them before.”

“I am sure the bus will become a much-loved part of young people’s lives across our community and can’t wait to see the impact it will have.”