Zillmere YACCA

Philosophy & Vision

Zillmere YACCA is a crime prevention program funded by the Department of Communities to work with young people in Zillmere and surrounding suburbs. YACCA works with young people and their community to create innovative and dynamic programs that inspire and empower young people to follow their dreams and reach their fullest potential.

Characteristics of the area in which we work

Zillmere, a northern suburb of Brisbane, is a dynamic area surrounded by community, art and recreation spaces. The Zillmere Community Centre (where YACCA is based) is located centrally, close to the train station, which offers services and a place to chill for young people. The population of Zillmere boasts many different cultural backgrounds including significant numbers of Indigenous, African and South Sea Islander residents.

In response to the disadvantage young people face in Zillmere, including a lower level of educational attainment and higher level of youth unemployment, the Zillmere Youth Organisation Network (ZYON) was formed. YACCA, along with ZYON members continue to address these issues working collaboratively with young people in the area, their families and the community.

Activities and services that we provide

The Zillmere YACCA program works with young people, aged between 10-17 years, and their community by providing, information, referral, support, activities and workshops to help prevent young people's involvement in crime.

How?

Zillmere YACCA offers:
• Personal Support
• Information & Referral
• Individual Advocacy
• Court Support
• Recreational Activities
• Arts & Cultural Activities & Workshops
• Social & Personal Development Activities & Workshops

Who Can Participate?

Young People aged 10-17 years who need information and support on issues like:
• Education & Training
• Employment
• Health
• Relationships
• Legal Stuff
• Alcohol & Drugs
• Housing

Zillmere YACCA runs a ‘Chill Out' program for young people aged 10-17years at the Zillmere Community Centre (ZCC) on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. This creates a space for young people to drop in to cook, play pool, access the internet and hang out with other members of their community. ‘Chill Out' also provides a platform for a community showcase of art, dance, music and lifestyle workshops that aim to foster resilience and empowerment in young people with a focus on crime prevention.

Our model of service delivery

Zillmere YACCA works from a strengths-based framework, in which we focus on the young person's assets and capabilities, rather than on their deficits. We provide a safe space and environment where young people can have input into what activities are on offer and have their needs met through individual support or group-based activities. Unlike many youth services, Zillmere YACCA is a Community Centre-based program where young people are encouraged to respect and work with the other community members of different age and ethnic background who are also accessing the Centre.

Recent Outcomes

• Increased number of young people from various cultural backgrounds participating in YACCA activities and accessing the centre
• Raised self-esteem for participants via workshops promoting life skills
• A working forum for young people to address adverse relationships experienced in the community
• An increased desire to become involved in their community
• Improved relationships with police, business, community, young people and families
• Successful school holiday activities, including constant cross-cultural involvement
• Greater access to young people and families to resources, support and referral
• Strong working partnerships with other youth organisations within Zillmere and surrounding suburbs, otherwise known as NEYON (North East Youth Organisation Network)

Recent Community Development projects

Zillmere YACCA continues to run several projects which encourages a social development approach to crime prevention. Some of these are:

• ZYON Recreational Buffet: continues to grow in participation. This program aims to provide a selection of sport and recreational activities while creating an opportunity for young people to meet local youth workers in a fun and safe environment. It has been very successful with a minimum of 30 young people turning up every week to play soccer, touch football, basketball, skateboarding, kite making and cricket. This year has seen the introduction of an obstacle course which tests young people and youth workers alike to beat their own times.

• YOUTH CAFÉ: is a pilot project that aims to begin in June 2010 to provide an after hour's safe space at Zillmere Community Centre for vulnerable young people. The Café concept allows for the creation of an environment that is after hours, quite relaxed with art, music, dance and cultural performances. Part of the Youth Café is the development of a voluntary Youth Advisory Team. Duties of the team will include participating the setting up and running the café as well as making decisions and contributing to project activities. Members of the Youth Advisory Team and other young people accessing the Youth Café will have the opportunity via their involvement to develop a number of personal and development skills as well as an enhanced sense of belonging to their community.