Byron Youth Centre is the place to be if you need help in any way, no matter how big or small - they are always there for you, helping you to get back on the right track… 

The Youth House was established following a submission by the Byron Community and Cultural Centre on the urgent needs of homeless youth in the Byron Bay area.

The need for a youth centre became apparent in 1983 when a survey showed that local hotels were the sole source of entertainment for many young people aged 15 years and over. For three years the Byron Community and Cultural Centre’s hall was used free of charge to run youth activities evenings on weekends, with more than 70 young people using the facility each night.

When in 1986 it became obvious that a larger and better equipped venue was needed, the Centre acted as the active body for a youth activities and sporting centre committee, which aimed to build a youth centre in the town. After 7 years hard work the committee obtained land on the Byron Bay Sandhills Estate and the Byron Shire Council allocated funds to build a youth centre. This successful outcome would not have been achieved without the generous support and involvement of the Byron Community and Cultural Centre.

The Youth Activities Centre at 1 Gilmore Crescent is a large space used to run programs for young people. It is managed by the Byron Shire Council and employs a youth activities officer. Its programs centre include theatre, computer training, films, circus, art and music.

Phone 6685 7557.

It provides a medium to long-term refuge for homeless 12 to 18 year olds. The project is funded by the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program, with the house rented from the Department of Housing. The House employs four full-time workers and three relief workers and volunteers provide valuable friendship and assistance.

The house addresses many needs: education, training for employment, living skills, clothing and medical treatment if needed. It also provides links with the community to help young people access apprenticeships and work experience.

Exit House: Exit House was set up by the Byron Bay Youth House for residents who demonstrate that they are capable of independent living. A part-time worker is responsible for the residents, for collecting rents, and for helping young people obtain work experience, training or jobs or with any problems they encounter. Exit House was integrated into the Byron Housing Support Program in 1994.

This project was originally administered by the Byron Community and Cultural Centre, as one of a number of programs to give support and networking opportunities to young people and families. Other activities included a subsidised course in communication and stress management and a soup kitchen which continues to operate.

Kickstart: Kickstart is managed through the Byron Youth Service and was initially housed at the Byron Community and Cultural Centre. It targets early school leavers and those at risk of leaving early. The program’s objective is to develop literacy, numeracy, and self esteem of the client group through operating informally structured 10 week programs and with ongoing follow-up and support. It was established in April 1989 and attracts more than 100 clients each year.