Anglicare Victoria’s CBD youth engagement and project worker Brannon Stanford said the organisation had noticed “a bit of a gap” when it came to linking young people with services, prompting the creation of the Bendigo YOUth Expo.

Stallholders on Thursday, January 19 will include Victoria Police, the Defence Force, education providers, sporting clubs, health organisations, cultural bodies and other services.

They will be able to offer youth information and advice on job-seeking, accessing education and joining sporting and other recreational activities.

Education scholarships and work experience placements will be on offer, and attendees will also be in the running to win a six-month gym membership or 10 driving lessons.

Young people will have the chance to participate in hands-on activities, including a handball drill by Bendigo Thunder players, cricket, traditional Aboriginal games, a skate ramp and a barbecue.

Mr Stanford said the event was open to anybody, but was specifically directed at those aged 12 to 25.

Anglicare youth services team leader Danielle Stevenson said the expo aimed to bring services to young people who were disengaged and unaware of what was out there, or how they could access it.

She said event also provided an opportunity to use the mall in a positive way in light of the unfavourable reputation it had received.

Ms Stevenson said the expo aimed to both engage young people who frequented the mall and attract those who did not use it often.

Sergeant Matt Hunt, who leads a Bendigo CBD tasking unit, said the police stall would not only offer people career advice, but would give people the chance to say hello and get to know police officers.

Sergeant Hunt said officers wanted to talk to young people about what they wanted, and try break down some of the barriers and misconceptions that existed between the two groups.

He believes disengaged young people are affected by a lack of motivation and an inability to take up choices available to them.

He said this could be because they believed they could not afford education or other opportunities, peer pressure or a lack of self-confidence.

But Sergeant Hunt said once they discovered they had abilities others wanted to use, their motivation blossomed.

“We need to work together as a community to get them moved into more meaningful activities,” Sergeant Hunt said.

The expo will be held from 11am to 1.30pm.

Any services interested in being involved can contact Mr Stanford at brannon.stanford@anglicarevic.org.au or on 5434 3926.