Hume City Council appoints MCM to deliver new Youth Assertive Outreach Program

Young people across Hume to benefit from proactive outreach, early intervention and stronger pathways to support

Hume City Council has appointed MCM (Melbourne City Mission) to deliver its new Youth Assertive Outreach Program, a community-based initiative designed to engage and support young people who are disengaged or at risk of disengagement across the municipality.

Commencing on 1 July 2026, the trauma-informed, strengths-based and culturally safe program will provide early intervention support for young people aged 10 to 24 years, helping them navigate life's challenges, strengthen their wellbeing and connect with the services and opportunities they need to thrive.

The Youth Assertive Outreach Program will operate four afternoons and evenings each week until 7pm, as well as on weekends, ensuring support is available when and where young people need it most.

The program will combine proactive street-based outreach with relationship-based support, engaging young people in locations where they naturally gather. Outreach locations will be informed by local data and community intelligence, including information from Victoria Police and Hume City Council's Community Safety Team. Key areas will include Sunbury, Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Mickleham and Kalkallo, with the flexibility to respond to emerging trends and community needs.

Young people engaged through the program will be able to access information, resources, brief interventions and warm referrals to a range of services, including health, mental health, housing, education, training, employment, family support, legal services and recreational activities.

The program also aims to enhance young people's safety, social inclusion, and participation in community spaces, while reducing the risk of contact with the criminal justice system through earlier support and intervention.

It is anticipated that about 2400 young people will benefit from the program each year.

“We are pleased to partner with MCM to deliver this important initiative for our community,” said Hume City Council Mayor, Cr Carly Moore. "Young people are at the heart of Hume's future, and this new outreach program will help us connect with those who may be facing challenges, build trusted relationships and ensure they can access the support they need before issues escalate."

MCM CEO Paul Wappett said the organisation was proud to partner with Hume City Council to strengthen support for young people across the municipality.

"At MCM we know that young people achieve their best outcomes when support meets them where they are. Through this new outreach program, we'll be working alongside young people in their communities, building trusted relationships and helping them access the services, opportunities and connections they need to thrive."

"By providing early intervention and practical support, we can help address challenges before they become crises, strengthen young people's sense of belonging, and create pathways to better health, wellbeing, education and employment outcomes."

A key feature of the program will be the development of integrated partnerships and embedded referral pathways with local health and community services, youth service providers, schools, community and faith-based organisations, and Victoria Police. These partnerships will ensure young people can access coordinated support tailored to their individual needs.

The Youth Assertive Outreach Program reflects a shared commitment between Hume City Council and MCM to supporting young people, strengthening community safety and creating positive opportunities for Hume's growing and diverse youth population.