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welcome to our vision.

Our vision is to strengthen community connections through creating and promoting youth programs, services and events.

“HubbleGC is a place where young people belong – to enhance the lives of youth, and the future of our community; by creating pathways and tools to navigate challenges, discover opportunities, and to help chart their direction”.

this is our story...

HubbleGC Inc. was formed in November 2020 following extensive community consultation conducted by Community Bank Tugun, part of Bendigo Bank, on the needs of the local community.

Overwhelming support for youth services was received from various community representatives and key stakeholders to enable local youth to engage and become positive, active members of our community.  

A digital hub which hosts a wide variety of youth related information was identified as a convenient way for youth to access existing organisations, programs, support services, activities and events and to encourage participation. 

Our Team at Tugun Lights Up
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Skate park

The formation of the Virtual Youth Hub committee in July 2020, saw local volunteers from various organisations including Community Bank Tugun, City of Gold Coast Division 13 and Division 14, QLD Health, QLD Police Service, local community organisations as well as high school students join together to create the digital hub. The committee engaged and consulted with youth on the preferred platform that would best suit their needs as well as the name of the service and the content.

With almost 800 surveys completed, the Virtual Youth Hub Committee had a clear pathway to create what youth wanted and needed. HubbleGC Incorporated was registered in November 2020 and the website was launched in April 2021. 

To further support local youth, City of Gold Coast Division 14 Cr. Daphne McDonald and Division 13 Cr. Gail O’Neill advocated for a facility in the local area which Palm Beach Aquatic Centre was identified as the ideal location. The community space will allow youth service providers to engage with youth and promote their programs and services. The Community Hub is expected to open in 2023. 

Umbrella Club Students
Cooee Students
HubbleGC Graffiti Art
HubbleGC Graffiti Art

We proudly acknowledge the support of our Foundation Partners Community Bank Tugun, Division 13 Cr. Gail O’Neill and Division 14 Cr. Daphne McDonald.

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Shiike Vanderwerff

Shiiké Vanderwerff: President

Shiiké (pron. she-kay). After 16 years in small business, Shiiké began work as a coach, facilitator, and consultant in 2002. He is a survivor from the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Abuse and knows first-hand the value of young people having access to the best available support, services, and events. Shiiké believes in the vision of a connected community with a bright future for all youth.

Maris Dirkx

Maris Dirkx: Secretary

Maris has over 20 years experience in the finance and entertainment industry. As a contractor, she helps with various governance requirements including planning, managing risk, marketing, and project management. She enjoys spending time with her family, photography, reading and attending a varying genre of concerts and musicals.

Brian Cosgrove: Treasurer

Brian moved his wife and 3 daughters to Currumbin in 1990. Married for 47 years, he and Anne also have 6 grandchildren, 3 on the coast and 3 in Zambia . A practising CPA with his own Financial Services business at Palm Beach for 25 years, Brian has volunteered on patrol with Currumbin SLSC, the PBC Alleygators Board, and the Currumbin State School P and C Committee. Travel with Anne, surfing ,golf and keeping up with the grandkids take up any spare time.

DS HEADSHOT

Dee Steinfort: Management Committee

Dee’s focus is on facilitating a connection between people, art, culture, and business. Having been an integral part of many art projects on the Gold Coast, she is also a member of the SWELL Sculpture Festival team and has found her place currently as Executive Director. Dee brings with her, the skill of high-level people management, operational and business nous.

Lisa Fitzgerald

Lisa Fitzgerald: Management Committee

As the previous Co-chair of Tugun & District Finances Limited which operates Community Bank Tugun, part of Bendigo Bank, Lisa is a foundation member and has helped steer HubbleGC with her volunteer experience with other community organisations. Lisa has also assisted many fundraising efforts for a variety of causes. Lisa is currently working as a swim teacher and enjoys reading, bike riding and travel.

Ask away!

Frequently Asked Questions

HubbleGC is a non-for-profit organisation based on the Gold Coast, Australia. We are collective team made up of community members as well as students. As well as being a part of local community events whether it be sports or art, we aim to provide youth with an easy digital platform via our website as a one-stop look book of what events are on to engage and also easily navigate support services to best meet your needs.

Our presence is in the form of a digital website & social media platform which includes a variety of services, support, events and activities located on the southern end of the Gold Coast.

About: learn about our vision and story.

Service & Support: here you can access services and support, from health to career guidance. These services can be found by clicking the relevant categorical icon.

Events: under our events tab you will find a selection of local youth events. You can use the filter to select the type of event you are after, cost bracket, or by search.

Media: Our media page is simply to show off some cool photos we have taken along our journey!

Resources: our resource tab is here to supply you with some interesting resources, articles and media. These are here to assist you with things such as studying or learning about your mental health.

Get Involved: whether you are interested in joining our committee, becoming a volunteer, or engaging in a partnership, this page is here for you to get in touch with us!

At the top of the page follow the tab “Get Involved”, and from here send us an email and select the sub-category as “Volunteer with us”.