The former Irish international, who also took the field for North Otago, has been appointed co-ordinator of Youthtown in Oamaru.
After more than 20 "full-on" years of rugby, it was a new direction and rugby had gone "way back on the back-burner", apart from following his son's games, he said.
A national organisation, Youthtown, has been in operation since 1932.
It was originally known as Boystown.
It aimed to provide young people with opportunities for physical, social and creative experiences.
Survey forms were being distributed to pupils at Oamaru's three secondary schools this week, to determine what young people wanted in the community.
Mr Mullins said he would be working alongside other youth groups in the district to see if there were any gaps he could help fill.
It was all about young people being connected to their community.
He already had some ideas, including a snow-boarding-skiing event on King George Park, which would require snow being trucked in.
He was meeting lots of people and seeing what they did in the community.
He has an office above Paddingtons in Thames St.
Youthtown in Oamaru was funded from the gambling machines at the Galleon complex.
Galleon co-owner Marjie Familton said the gaming rooms had been well supported and she was "so excited" about seeing something positive coming back.
She was passionate about youth and excited about Mr Mullins' appointment.
