In Burnie and Devonport, young people aged 11–17 have found a safe, supportive space to connect, learn and grow through the “ARVOs” program, delivered by Youth, Family & Community Connections (YFCC).
Thanks in part to an FRRR Strengthening Rural Communities grant, over the past year more than 1,000 young people participated in weekly after-school ARVOs sessions and school holiday activities. The program offered everything from cooking, woodcraft, science experiments and art projects, to sports, hiking, surfing and cultural celebrations such as NAIDOC Week. Healthy snacks were also provided to encourage positive eating habits.
However, ARVOs is about more than just activities. Experienced youth workers build trusted relationships, providing a soft entry point into support services, such as mental health, housing, family violence support, and more. This ensures young people feel safe, heard and supported in navigating life’s challenges.
For Jenny, who joined ARVOs socially anxious and hesitant to engage, the program has been transformative. With encouragement and gradual support, she grew in confidence, made new friends, and is now thriving both at ARVOs and at school — even receiving award nominations for her growth and contribution.
Parents also highlight the program’s value: “We appreciate a safe space for teenagers to hang out at independently, while still being supervised by sensible adults, with whom they interact positively.”
“The afternoon and holiday activities give kids an opportunity to try new and different activities, is a safe and supported environment, that they wouldn’t otherwise.”
By fostering connection, confidence and inclusion, ARVOs is directly enhancing the liveability of these areas while helping young people to feel supported by trusted adults, connected with services they may need, and confident to make friends and try new things.
Its success reflects the importance of ongoing investment in youth-led, community-based programs that strengthen resilience, wellbeing and belonging.