Be.connected will take the form of a bus, which will make regular visits to areas such as Hargreaves Mall in an effort to engage young people. 

Bendigo mayor Margaret O’Rourke recently spoke to the Bendigo Advertiser about creating opportunities for discussions and mentoring services for young people that feel like they’re disengaged. 

“It’s really interesting to understand what makes them come to a space like the mall,” Cr O’Rourke said. 

“It’s because they haven’t got somewhere else to go.”

She said she had spoken to young people about why they might gather at the mall.

They had told her they wanted to hang out with their friends. 

“It’s about engaging with our young people,” Cr O’Rourke said.

The Salvation Army, Anglicare Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo are involved in the be.connected initiative, part of an ongoing effort to revitalise the CBD.