Education First Youth Foyer partnership

Published

February 28, 2023

Uniting Vic.Tas is partnering with GOTAFE, NESAY Inc. and the Brotherhood of St Laurence to deliver a newly funded Education First Youth Foyer at Wangaratta.

The foyer combines affordable medium-term accommodation with education and training. This helps young people aged 16 to 24 years who are at risk of homelessness to complete their studies and get jobs.

State Labor Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, announced funding for the foyer in Wangaratta on 15 February 2023. The initiative secured $13.4 million through the Victorian Government’s $50 million Youth Housing Capital Grants program.

The Education First Youth Foyer model is based on the principle that education is key to providing a pathway out of disadvantage for young people. Stable housing is a means of ensuring young people can fully commit to their education.

Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike, says “This Youth Foyer will make a difference to the lives of so many young people across the Wangaratta region. Providing young people at risk of homelessness with safe and stable long-term accommodation will give them the confidence they need to be able to get on with their education and studies and make a successful transition into work.”

General Manager Housing and Property, Kristie Looney, says it was inspiring to hear from young who attended the event from the Shepparton GOTAFE Education First Youth Foyer.

“They are determined to succeed and with the right support and housing these young people will reach their full potential.”

The project to deliver the foyer includes project management and construction of a three-level building. It combines 40 individual studio apartments with community living spaces.

It will bring 40 jobs to Wangaratta and is expected to deliver $40.6M in net benefits to the Wangaratta community over a 20-year timeframe. The ongoing benefits for participants, the community and the local economy far exceed this.

Visit Education First Youth Foyer at Wangaratta for more information.

Find out more about our Youth Services.

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