Pool Pilot Initiative Wins Award Read More
Hands Up Mallee works in partnership with government, communities, and services to co-design places and spaces that build connection and belonging. From youth-led recreation areas and cinemas to pool access pilots and inclusive community events, these initiatives show how collaborative design can transform public spaces into vibrant, safe, and welcoming environments.
By placing community voices at the heart of decision-making, this work supports wellbeing and strengthens local connections——making inclusion and participation central to how spaces are imagined and used.
We’ve watched them develop their interpersonal skills, their confidence in talking around adults, observing probably the relationships and how they present themselves and advocate for themselves in Hoops as well as other programs as well.
Service provider
"(I’m the most proud)” that we have actually made an impact and created another safe space for the people of Red Cliffs.
Youth Co-designer
This work demonstrates Hands Up Mallee’s Enabler of Change.
Thoughtfully designed community spaces are powerful catalysts for equity, inclusion, participation, and a deep sense of belonging. Through genuine partnerships with local councils, services, and families, together, we’re shaping environments where people of all ages can connect, play, and thrive.”
From vibrant family-friendly events to youth-led infrastructure projects, each initiative reflects the transformative potential of co-design. These efforts not only make physical spaces more welcoming and inclusive but also influence broader systems thinking— leading to new ways of working by changing how communities plan, collaborate, and act. This integrated approach bridges social participation with built-environment change, reinforcing the idea that connection is a cornerstone of wellbeing.
According to ARACY- Review of key risk and protective factors for child development and wellbeing (antenatal to age 25) Report, community mobilisation plays a critical role in supporting protective social processes during adolescence. It also helps mitigate unsafe environmental risk factors during the middle years, highlighting the value of place-based strategies in supporting long-term developmental outcomes.
HomeBase Hoops (2018–ongoing)
A youth-driven basketball activation space designed by young people for young people — sparking broader systems change in how services engage youth and co-design community safety.
| System Changes | Impact on Children, Young People and Families |
|---|---|
| Empowered community with agency to act | Increased participation in social, sport, or cultural activities |
| Government, services and leaders change mindsets and practices | Equitable access to safe and supportive community infrastructure |
| Resource changes in how they are aligned for better impact | Greater connection to community, culture and place |
| Investment in co-designed local solutions & innovations | Opportunities to shape and design the programs, services and spaces they use |
| Changes are happening beyond our place | Strengthened social connection with peers and community |
| Increased agency and feeling valued in community |
These system-level shifts are driving real, measurable improvements for children, young people, and families in Red Cliffs. The table below highlights how structural transformation is translating into better access, stronger connections, and tangible outcomes on the ground.
Hands Up Mallee’s place-based work shows how community-driven ideas can shape both the physical and social environment in meaningful ways. Each project starts with listening and evolves through partnerships that ensure sustainable shared benefits.
HomeBase Hoops is a late-night basketball tournament model designed and led by young people in Mildura. The idea emerged in 2018 through community conversations, where young people identified gaps in the local youth service system and called for free, safe, and inclusive after-hours activities. The program strengthens social connectedness and participation by creating a supportive Friday night environment with qualified youth workers and volunteers on site. Designed with a strong equity lens, HomeBase Hoops addresses barriers to participation so all young people can get involved.
Participation is broad and diverse, with attendees from various schools and cultural backgrounds. The model demonstrates the power of youth voice in shaping programs that meet their needs and has influenced systems change across the local youth service sector. Co-design practices pioneered through Hands Up Mallee’s work with youth have been adopted by Council and other providers, leading to extended program hours, stronger collaboration, and a growing culture of flexible, youth-centred service delivery. HomeBase Hoops is delivered by Sunraysia Community Health Service as part of their youth service program- (HomeBase – Sunraysia Community Health Services).
Hands Up Mallee and partners (Mildura Rural City Council, Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and Sunraysia Arts and Learning) delivered The Fun in the Park, a pop-up community activation pilot between March and May 2022. The initiative showed that when services meet families where they are -whether in local parks and familiar spaces — trust and participation grow. It adapted new ways of collaborative outreach, with councils, services and volunteers learning how to engage families through play, conversation and shared food modelled by learnings from the COVID-19 Active Outreach program in late 2021.
The project featured a series of free, family-friendly events in Buxton Sobee Park, Hornsey Park and Flamingo Park — reaching children and families living nearby and demonstrating the power of place-based engagement.
Hands Up Mallee led a co-design project from March to September 2022 in partnership with local youth, families and youth service providers to explore what life is like for young people in our region — what helps, what hinders, and what needs to change. Insights from these conversations were analysed alongside youth data and research. One clear and actionable priority emerged: free access to local pools.
Factors like cost, lack of affordable, inclusive recreational spaces were seen as contributing to social isolation and unequal opportunities for children and young people – especially during extreme summer heat. This led to creation of the Pool Pilot in partnership with Mildura Rural City Council, young people and families so community could access safer, affordable more connected spaces.
A youth-only cinema night in partnership with Wallis Cinemas, local businesses and Victoria Police created safe spaces for young people to connect. Shaped by insights gained from previous youth co-design and community infrastructure pilot projects, the Cinema Project aimed to explore opportunities to better support young people in the Mildura CBD in collaboration with local businesses and service partners.
Through a co-design process, youth and partners shared their knowledge and expertise to plan and deliver an event in the CBD, fostering youth participation and social connection with a strong emphasis on equity.
The Red Cliffs Half Basketball Court project brought together Hands Up Mallee, Mildura Rural City Council, and local young people to co-design a new public space that supports youth wellbeing, safety, and agency. Through a series of engaging workshops, young people aged 9–18 shaped decisions around the court’s design, use, and activation — including leading a successful launch event that attracted over 180 community members and 27 basketball teams.
Evaluation findings show the project boosted youth confidence and leadership, strengthened connections between young people and local decision-makers, and led to a space that reflects the real needs of the community. The initiative also showed early signs of system change — shifting relationships, mindsets, and how decisions about public infrastructure are made.
