Matthew Payne is brushing up his resume after completing a workshop when his friends show up.
He's at the Youth Hive, a dedicated space within Knox Library where young people can hang out, meet friends and discuss whatever's on their minds with trained Council youth workers.
"The Youth Hive is a wonderful place the youth of Knox can come and study or connect with our friends - I've got a number of friends who are here today," Matthew says.
"It's a really good space that's safe for all. I go to school in Boronia and after school we all catch the first bus to the Youth Hive. To be able to come here is such a good opportunity that we have."
The Youth Hive offers a large range of workshops, activities and programs, including artificial intelligence, exploring career options and reviewing your resume.
"There are lots of different workshops offered, which are a brilliant opportunity for us to build on ourselves and lean into our skills," Matthew says. "The resume workshop was really good because they were able to critique what I had and give me lots of feedback, which will help in the real world.
"I've been to a number of writers' workshops here as well and it's been really fun to work on my writing skills and be given tips on how to improve."
During school terms, on Wednesdays when local schools finish up early, there's quiet study time from 2pm-4pm, drawing people like Maria.
"It's a quiet place that's got lots of room for studying and it's really accepting," she says. "I come here to study and just hang out with friends."
Some of the young people come for the art group, 'crafternoons' of craft making or board games. Dungeons & Dragons is popular too.
"The people are lovely and it's a safe space for everyone," Mikayla says."
The Youth Hive is open during library hours. It is staffed by Council youth workers from 2pm-5pm Monday to Friday.
Knox Youth Services will be running two craft sessions at the Youth Hive over the January 2025 school holidays for young people 12-25 years.
All materials will be provided, and all activities are free. You can also bring your own transportable craft to work on. These are drop-in sessions and no bookings required. Come for the full 2 hours or drop-in when you can.
Dates: Thursday 16 January, Thursday 23 January
Time: 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Where: Knox Youth Hive at the Knox Library - Ngarrgoo (level 3, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South)
For more information contact Youth Services on 9298 8000 or
