$10 million hub at Moreton Bay school

Above: Frank Tracey, Children’s Health Queensland Chief Executive (left), Boris Croft, Dakabin State High School Principal (right) and Dakabin State High School students. Picture Frankly Photography

A new $10.8 million youth hub has opened at Dakabin State High School giving students access to health, educational and social services.

The Hub is a space for students to meet and aims to support mental wellbeing, reduce long-term health risks and help young people to thrive.

It has two connected buildings - one for health and social services, the other with vocational training facilities, such a commercial kitchen, café and servery for events.

There are areas for study, training, meetings and presentations, as well as lounge spaces, kitchen, showers and laundry facilities.

Co-designed with students and the school community, the Hub partnership between Children’s Health Queensland and Dakabin State High is the first in Queensland.

Safe and supported

“Children’s Health Queensland is committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of Queensland children and young people through more connected, collaborative and accessible community hubs,” Children’s Health Queensland Chief Executive Frank Tracey said.

“The Dakabin Youth Hub reflects this, meeting young people where they are with services designed around their needs where they feel safe and supported.

“Students and the school community played a key role in co-designing the Hub vision, layout and values. Their ideas, stories and hopes shaped every part of it.

“They wanted a welcoming and familiar space. By involving them in the design, we’ve created a place that reflects their needs, speaks to them and empowers them.”

Students worked with artist Simon Degroot to create a mural titled ‘Comfortable Kindness’ for an interior wall in the Hub.

Positive identity

Artwork by First Nations artist Jennifer Kent, of Quandamooka/Nunugal and Jinibara/Kabi heritage, also welcomes students at the entrance.

“Students, parents, and staff have had a voice in developing a vision for the youth hub that meets the community's needs,” Dakabin State High School Principal Boris Croft said.

“This vision will support our students to build a positive identity, be healthy and promote positive well-being, leading to students being the best they can be.”

Children’s Health Queensland will manage the Hub and co-ordinate the health and social services available for Dakabin State High School students.