Gibson Desert Area Council is committed to providing diverse opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and thrive. Our youth programs support development across sports, arts, education, and community engagement.
Our Youth Programs
Youth Recreation & Sports
After School Sports Program
Ages: 8-17 years
When: Monday - Friday, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: Gibson Desert Recreation Center
Cost: $50 per term (FREE for concession card holders)
Daily supervised sports activities including:
- Basketball and netball
- Football (AFL and soccer)
- Cricket and tennis
- Athletics and fitness
- Swimming sessions (seasonal)
Youth Sports Leagues
Competitive sports leagues for ages 10-18 in basketball, netball, soccer, and touch football. Teams compete weekly with end-of-season finals and awards nights.
Skate Park Programs
When: Wednesdays 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Gibson Desert Skate Park
- Beginner skateboarding lessons
- BMX bike skills coaching
- Scooter workshops
- Safety equipment provided
Creative Arts & Culture
Youth Arts Workshops
Ages: 12-18 years
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Central Community Hall Arts Studio
Cost: $40 per term (includes materials)
Rotating workshops including:
- Painting and drawing (traditional and digital)
- Indigenous art and culture
- Photography and videography
- Graphic design and digital media
- Sculpture and ceramics
- Street art and murals
Youth Theatre Program
Ages: 13-18 years
When: Fridays 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $60 per term
- Acting and improvisation
- Script writing and directing
- Stage production and technical theatre
- Annual youth theatre production
Music Programs
- Rock Band Workshop: Learn guitar, drums, bass, vocals (Saturdays 2-4pm)
- DJ & Music Production: Electronic music and beat making (Thursdays 5-7pm)
- Indigenous Music: Didgeridoo and traditional instruments (Monthly workshops)
Education & Skills Development
Homework Club
Ages: 10-18 years
When: Monday - Thursday, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: Central Library
Cost: FREE
- Quiet study space with computers and WiFi
- Volunteer tutors available for help
- School assignment support
- Exam preparation assistance
- Free afternoon tea provided
Digital Skills Program
Ages: 13-18 years
When: Saturdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: FREE
- Computer literacy and Microsoft Office
- Coding and programming basics (Python, HTML/CSS)
- Website and app development
- Social media safety and digital citizenship
- Video editing and content creation
Career Pathways Program
Ages: 15-18 years
Focus: Work readiness and career exploration
- Resume writing and interview skills
- Work experience placements
- Industry mentoring program
- Career expo and workplace visits
- Vocational training pathways
Leadership Development
Annual youth leadership program for ages 15-18 developing skills in:
- Public speaking and communication
- Project management and teamwork
- Community engagement and advocacy
- Event planning and coordination
- Culminates in Youth Council participation
Youth Hub & Drop-In Services
The Hub - Youth Space
Ages: 12-18 years
Location: Eastside Community Center
When: Monday - Friday 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost: FREE drop-in
Facilities include:
- Gaming lounge (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming)
- Music studio with recording equipment
- Art and craft supplies
- Study spaces with computers and WiFi
- Kitchen and lounge areas
- Basketball court and outdoor space
- Pool table and board games
Youth workers on-site to provide:
- Informal support and mentoring
- Information and referrals
- Activity coordination
- Safe and supervised environment
Youth Support Services
Confidential support available for young people facing challenges:
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Family and relationship issues
- School engagement support
- Referrals to specialist services
- Indigenous youth support workers available
School Holiday Programs
During school holidays, we offer action-packed programs to keep young people active and engaged:
Sports Camps
Ages: 8-16
Multi-sport camps with coaching, games, and activities
Cost: $120 per week
(includes lunch and equipment)
Creative Arts Workshops
Ages: 10-17
Intensive workshops in various art forms
Cost: $80 per week
(all materials included)
Adventure Programs
Ages: 12-17
Bushwalking, camping, rock climbing, survival skills
Cost: $200 per week
(includes all activities and meals)
STEM Workshops
Ages: 10-16
Science, technology, engineering, robotics, coding
Cost: $100 per week
(take-home projects included)
Youth Council
The Gibson Desert Youth Council gives young people aged 14-21 a voice in local decision-making:
About Youth Council
- Members: 12 young people elected annually
- Meetings: Monthly meetings with council staff and elected councillors
- Projects: Youth Council initiates and leads youth-focused projects
- Advocacy: Represent youth perspectives on council policies and services
- Budget: Annual budget of $25,000 for youth-led initiatives
Recent Youth Council Projects:
- New skate park design and features
- Mental health awareness campaign
- Youth employment expo
- Public art installations by young artists
Nominations open: September each year
Join Youth CouncilIndigenous Youth Programs
Culturally appropriate programs celebrating and strengthening Indigenous identity:
Cultural Connection Program
Ages: 10-18 years
When: Saturdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (monthly)
Cost: FREE
- Learning traditional language (Arrernte)
- Bush tucker and traditional food preparation
- Traditional art and craft (dot painting, weaving)
- Storytelling and Dreamtime stories
- Connection to country - cultural site visits
- Elder mentoring and cultural knowledge sharing
Indigenous Sports Programs
- AFL development program with Indigenous coaches
- Basketball skills program
- Swimming lessons and water safety
- Pathways to elite sports programs
Indigenous Youth Leadership
Leadership development program for Indigenous young people aged 15-21 focusing on:
- Cultural leadership and identity
- Community development skills
- Employment and education pathways
- Mentoring younger community members
Volunteer & Work Experience
Opportunities for young people to gain valuable experience:
Youth Volunteer Program
Ages 14-18 can volunteer at council events, programs, and facilities
- Certificate of volunteering
- Reference for future employment
- Skills development
Work Experience Placements
Structured placements for students in various council departments
- 1-2 week placements
- Mentoring and supervision
- Insight into career pathways
Youth Traineeships
Paid traineeships for young people aged 16-24
- 12-month positions
- Nationally recognized qualification
- On-the-job training
Junior Leaders Program
Train to become a youth program assistant or coach
- Leadership training
- First aid certification
- Paid casual positions
How to Register
- Choose your program from the options above
- Complete the online registration form or visit our office
- Provide emergency contact information and medical details
- Pay program fees (concessions and payment plans available)
- Receive confirmation and program details via email
Registration Requirements
- Completed registration form (parent/guardian signature required for under 18s)
- Proof of age (birth certificate or ID)
- Concession card if applicable (for discounted fees)
- Medical information and emergency contacts
- Photo permission form
Fees & Concessions
We offer reduced fees and FREE programs for eligible families:
- FREE programs: Many programs are completely free including drop-in services, homework club, and digital skills
- 50% discount: For families with Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
- 100% discount: For families experiencing financial hardship (confidential assessment)
- Payment plans: Available for all paid programs - pay in instalments
- Multi-child discount: 20% off for second child, 30% off third and subsequent children
No young person will be excluded due to inability to pay. Please speak to our Youth Services team confidentially if you need assistance.
Contact Youth Services
Youth Services Coordinator
Gibson Desert Area Council
Phone: (08) 8950 0580
Email: youth@astc.nt.gov.au
The Hub Youth Space
Eastside Community Center, 12 Grevillea Drive
Phone: (08) 8950 0581
Email: thehub@astc.nt.gov.au
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Join Our Youth Programs Today!
Discover new skills, make friends, and be part of an active community