Youth programs
The Cessnock Youth Centre & Outreach Service (CYCOS) offers a variety of free, supervised programs for young people aged 11–20 in the Cessnock Local Government Area. These initiatives aim to support, educate, engage, and inspire youth as they transition into adulthood.
Core Principles
CYCOS programs are:
FREE: There is no cost associated with activities or programs provided by CYCOS. We simply ask all young people sign up to become a CYCOS Member.
SAFE: All activities are fully supervised by professional youth workers and are drug and alcohol-free.
INCLUSIVE: CYCOS welcomes young people from all walks of life, celebrating diversity in gender, sexuality, race, religion, background, abilities, political views, culture, or language.
FUN: Programs are designed to be engaging and youth-led, ensuring they are responsive to the interests and needs of local youth.
Programs and Services
These sessions provide a space for young people to hang out, meet new people, learn new skills, find information, and receive help. Drop-In sessions are held at various locations around the Cessnock LGA. For the latest schedule, please follow CYCOS on Facebook.
Youth workers facilitate a range of school-based programs for primary and high school students across the Cessnock LGA. These programs focus on themes such as health and well-being, inclusion, and personal development.
During the school holidays CYCOS offers a program of activities to keep young people entertained and engaged.
The calendar includes a range of workshops, competitions, challenges and excursions.
To keep up to date with our school holidays calendar please follow us on Facebook.
The newly opened kitchen facility at CYCOS is used during youth programming, including drop-in after-school activities, school holiday programs, and special events like Youth Week. The kitchen provides a space for young people to learn new skills, gain workforce knowledge, engage in structured cooking activities, and immerse themselves in healthy eating.
CYCOS hosts various events throughout the year, including Youth Week celebrations. These events are created in consultation with the Cessnock Youth Ambassadors and the Youth Week Planning Group, consisting of young people, local services, businesses, schools, volunteers, and community groups.
CYCOS offers a range of initiatives to support, educate, engage and inspire young people as they transition to adulthood.
Adolescence can be a difficult stage to navigate and sometimes young people may require additional support. Our youth workers are closely connected with the wider youth network and skilled in making appropriate referrals to support services.
To find out details about a specific program please email us at youthcentre@cessnock.nsw.gov.au.