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2026's Conference of the Year
is less than ONE month away!
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THIS NOT TO BE MISSED Conference is on March 26th, 2026!
Followed by our Platform 1225 Workshop on March 27th.
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Join us in building a solid platform for young people aged 12 to 25!
Click image or REGISTER HERE!!!
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Home Time is a national campaign to unlock access to housing for children and young people with nowhere to live. It is supported by over 180 organisations and thousands of community members.
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Above: Lived experience advocate Ella addresses the Parliamentary Friends of Housing morning tea event.
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A Call to Action!!!
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The Home Time campaign is a national coalition of more than 180 organisations, including housing and homelessness services, family violence services, peak bodies, unions, and more. Everyone signed on to the campaign is working together to advocate for more sustainable and fit for purpose housing opportunities for the 40,000 young people, aged 16-24, who are trapped in a system not built for them.
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The Home Time campaign places a strong emphasis on the voices of those with lived and living experience of homelessness and housing insecurity. We work with young people who don't just understand the flaws in the system, these young people didn't find the cracks, they fell through them.
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With the Federal Budget fast approaching, we need your help. Decision‑makers are considering the budget now, including the Home Time campaign’s proposal to end the youth housing penalty and your voice can make a powerful difference in what those conversations look like. Home Time has proposed the introduction of a youth housing supplement and increasing the youth allowance UTLAH payment, to unlock housing pathways for young people.
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It just takes 30 seconds to visit the Home Time website and write to your local MP in support of the campaign. By adding your voice, you’re helping keep youth homelessness on the agenda so we can ensure unaccompanied children and young people are no longer locked out of social housing and can access the stable homes they deserve. The window for influence is now, and your action today matters.
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Head to Take action to fix housing for young people in Australia - Home Time to send an email to your local and federal members, then share it with your friends and colleagues.
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From all at Home Time - Thank you.
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Your voice, your energy and your commitment are changing lives. If you want to know more or become part of the Home Time coalition please get in touch at any time at supporters@hometime.org.au.
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An exciting new service for
young parents!
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Housing and Support Link Service (HSLS) supports young pregnant women and young parents aged 16–25 who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, and who are currently connected to the Gold Coast University Hospital.
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The service provided by Wesley Mission offers housing assistance and connects young people to healthcare and social support services to promote stable housing and improved health outcomes.
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A broader service is delivered by Mission Australia at Mater Young Adult Health Centre (MYAHC) in South Brisbane which assists any young person receiving treatment at the MYAHC who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Find out more here.
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Youth Housing in Australia
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An evidence review of its impact on young peoples’ employment and education outcomes, and the economic case for investment.
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This Social Ventures Australia research report commissioned by MCM examines youth housing through a productivity lens, demonstrating how homelessness disrupts education and workforce participation, and that the right housing responses unlock long-term economic and social gains.
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Young people present with varying levels of need, shaped by experiences of trauma, family violence, out of home care, and disrupted education. While some young people are ready to engage in education and employment when provided with stable housing and support, others require more intensive, longer-duration assistance.
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Youth housing is not a single solution, but an ecosystem of models calibrated to different levels of need and stages of transition. This report shows clear evidence that dedicated youth housing models deliver transformational outcomes.
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For young people accessing youth tenancies with appropriate supports:
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- Housing stability increased from 27% to over 70%
- Educational engagement rose from 28% to as high as 77%
- Employment participation increased from 26% to as high as 70%.
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You can read this important report here.
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2026 Queensland
Young Australian of the Year
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A shout out and huge congratulations to Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw, on being named the 2026 Queensland Young Australian of the Year.
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Jarib is a proud Kooma man and youth worker who has made a huge difference to the town of Cunnamulla by opening a youth neighbourhood centre. As a local himself, Jarib knows what it’s like to live in a quiet town where there’s not much for young people to do outside of the home. In just two years he’s supported over 200 young people by creating a safe place where they are welcomed, seen heard and valued. You can read more about Jarib’s journey here.
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Trauma on the frontline: protecting housing and homelessness workers
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Almost half of the housing and homelessness frontline practitioners have symptoms of post-traumatic stress according to AHURI research. Survey data from 578 frontline staff revealed:
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- 90% of participants reported moderate-to-high vicarious trauma (trauma caused by exposure to others’ distress)
- 61% reported symptoms of burnout
- 43% reported PTSD symptoms warranting further assessment.
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The report explores how to minimise workplace trauma and create safer environments for frontline staff. You can read the report here.
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The Catastrophic Costs of Convenience
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Amongst the slew of considerations for organisations is the reality of Artificial Intelligence and how we use it, or choose not to, in our work. In making such decisions it’s important to consider the costs, not just the convenience. The following article and National Press Club of Australia presentation are well worth taking the time to digest.
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This study tells us that as data centres use more energy for their typical data centre operations and to meet AI requests, they consume larger amounts of water to cool their processor chips, so as to avoid overheating and potential damage. Similarly, as energy use increases in data centres, so do carbon emissions. A medium-sized data center can consume up to roughly 110 million gallons of water per year for cooling purposes, equivalent to the annual water usage of approximately 1,000 households. Larger data centres can each “drink” up to 5 million gallons per day, or about 1.8 billion annually, usage equivalent to a town of 10,000 - 50,000 people. Read more here.
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You can listen to Prof Toby Walsh, Scientia Professor of AI at the National Press Club of Australia as he delivers his presentation, 'AI, boom or doom?' (2026).
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2026 Queensland Youth Week
11th-19th April
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In the lead up to Queensland Youth Week, there are many ways to begin thinking about your involvement.
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For young people with a creative flair, those 12-25 years are invited to submit artwork to the digital art competition. This is an opportunity to show your talent and innovation and highlight how young people make an important contribution to our social and economic wellbeing. Read more here.
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Last year’s winning entry, entitled “Commute” by Yifei Hu. Read more about Youth Week here.
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Your Chance to Speak OUT
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Speak OUT gives young people aged 12 to 25 a voice on issues that impact them such as mental health, cost of living, climate action, education, housing and community wellbeing. In 2024–25, over 3,700 young people took part through events, workshops and online discussions. Their input assisted in shaping Queensland Government policies and programs.
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Young people are encouraged to speak out by completing the Speak OUT Survey here.
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There are a range of opportunities such as joining events and consultations or nominating for youth parliament or the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program.
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Learn more about the many options to Speak OUT here.
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2024–25 Young Queenslanders Sentiment Report
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The 2024-25 Young Queenslanders Sentiment Report highlights the lived realities and priorities of young people across the state. Drawing on diverse voices, it shows what young Queenslanders are experiencing and what they expect from the systems around them.
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The findings aim to guide government and community organisations to respond in ways that are timely, meaningful and effective. Key issues identified:
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- Mental health and wellbeing – access to quality support.
- Education and training – affordability and clear pathways.
- Physical health – nutrition, service access and active living.
- Life skills – navigating adulthood and building resilience.
- Cost of living – employment stability and affordability pressures.
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You can read the report here.
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New Housing Options Website
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Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) launched My Housing Options website, offering a comprehensive range of resources to people with disability exploring their housing goals. The site features clear information, videos, and interactive activities designed to support individuals to consider where they want to live, what supports they may need, and the steps they can take to achieve their housing aspirations. Check it out here.
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Services For Young People
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24/7 Intake and support ISAs
for young people
Five Immediate Supported Accommodation (ISA) services are available to enhance service delivery and address regional needs. These feature 24/7 on-site support with two workers at peak service times and 24/7 intake services for improved accessibility.
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These programs are located in the regions of Cairns, Logan, Mount Isa, Moreton Bay, and Rockhampton. In Cairns, where two ISAs operate, each site continues to have a single overnight worker and does not offer 24/7 intake services.
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Young people can contact these services for support at any time on the numbers below:
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- Insync Beenleigh, Anglicare SQ:
(07) 3386 2000
- Mithangkaya Nguli - Young People Ahead - Mt Isa: (07) 4749 0840
- Darumbul – Rockhampton: (07) 4927 5715
- IFYS – Caboolture: (07) 3888 9355
Mobile: 0422 003 971
- Anglicare North Queensland, Cairns:
St Margaret’s – (07) 4033 2678;
St John’s – (07) 4032 4971
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Important Housing Products for Young People
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Youth Subsidy for CHPs
The Youth Subsidy is available for registered community housing providers to find more opportunities for young people to move out of crisis accommodation into long-term, stable housing.
Read more about the Youth Subsidy here.
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You can read more updates here.
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Youth Essentials
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Youth Housing Essentials supports young people transitioning from government services. It offers tailored brokerage assistance of up to $5,000 per household to address their essential housing needs. It provides access to essential goods and services such as furniture, white goods, education or work necessities. To access, a young person must be supported by a service provider, support agency or Housing Service. Find out more here.
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Renters Relief Package
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The Renters Relief Package has expanded eligibility for a range of products and services to help customers find and apply for a place to rent, help to get a rental, and help to keep their place if they’re having financial difficulties.
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- For more information visit The QLD government website here
- Or get in touch with your local Housing Service Centre Contact here
- Need housing assistance? Go to qld.gov.au/housinghelp, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.  
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Court Support
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YAC's animated video is designed to support and empower children and young people navigating the children's courts in Queensland.
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The animation is part of YAC’s broader commitment to increase young people's access to legal and social justice in Queensland. It was funded by the Community Legal Education (CLE) Collaboration Fund and inspired by a resource developed by the Youth Justice Legal Centre UK.
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Ruby’s Reunification Program supports young people aged 12 to 15 and their families to rebuild relationships and stay connected, with the aim to prevent involvement in the child protection and homelessness systems.
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Ruby’s offers short-term, home-like accommodation where families can take a break and focus on reuniting. There is a 4-bed property in North Brisbane and another on the Southside. Both houses are open for referral. There is also outreach support for 12-17 year olds.
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Managing Young Tenants
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This resource provides a deeper understanding of working with young tenants, to assist property managers in feeling more equipped and confident in their work with young people. It includes trauma-informed and mental health aware tenancy management as well as available subsidies and support services. Read more here.
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Young Mums and their children are to receive much needed housing and support!
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A $30 Million package was announced late 2025 to deliver a place to call home for young mothers and their children experiencing or at risk of homelessness across Queensland.
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This offers young mums and babies in Brisbane, Ipswich, Townsville and Mackay access to early intervention support.
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20 purpose-built homes, with on-site wraparound supports will offer young families stability and a pathway to longer-term housing.
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This ensures more vulnerable young families receive access to safe housing and specialist support:
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- In Ipswich, the Lady Musgrave Trust will deliver 13 new self-contained homes with on-site wraparound supports to assist young mums to maintain a secure tenancy, build long-term stability and stay connected to education, training and community services.
- In Townsville, Yumba-Meta Ltd will deliver four new homes for single First Nations mothers and their children, with on-site support workers and case managers to help build independence and transition into long-term housing.
- In Mackay, Connect Housing Group will construct three new homes for young parents and children as part of a growing supported community housing precinct.
- In Brisbane, Mercy Community will deliver accommodation, mental health services and parenting support to young pregnant women and new mothers to help them maintain a healthy pregnancy and safely care for their baby.
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Community housing tenants have started moving into The Curwen, a new 92-unit social and affordable housing development in Chermside, Brisbane.
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These Chermside homes are designed with accessibility and ease of living in mind with wider hallways, step-free access, safer bathrooms and flexible layouts that support older Queenslanders, people with mobility needs and those wanting to age in place.
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Residents will benefit from communal spaces and on-site tenancy support, helping them maintain a stable home and build long-term independence.
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This project was delivered in partnership with Brisbane Housing Company and Queensland Investment Corporation, with financing from the Australian Government and the Australian Retirement Trust.
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Construction is underway on the Southport Supportive Housing Project poised to deliver 213 new social and affordable homes with on-site support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
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The building should be ready for tenants late next year. You can read more on the Southport Supportive Housing Project here.
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Professional Development and Training
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Child Safe Resources
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Queensland's new child safeguarding law introducing Child Safe Standards commenced on 1 October 2025. Changes to the Child Safe Organisations Act mean the Reportable Conduct Scheme has been brought forward and will now commence for all reporting entities on 1 July 2026.
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The QFCC resources page has links to resources that will assist you to embed the Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle into your organisation’s policies and practices, to meet your obligations under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024.
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No matter where you are on your child safe journey these resources can assist you. There’s also a very helpful webinar. You can access the resources here.
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Professional Supervision for Community Mental Health Practitioners
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Practice Guide – February 2026
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This practice guide was developed as part of a project to support Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS) practitioners. Targeted to those with under five years’ experience - to build confidence and capability in professional supervision. The guide highlights how structured, collaborative supervision strengthens skills, supports ethical practice, and promotes practitioner wellbeing, ultimately improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. You can read more here.
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On Demand Webinars
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AIFS is relaunching its on-demand webinar program from February to June 2026, featuring six standout sessions from the past two years. Each webinar will be available to watch at your own pace for three weeks, and registrations are now open. Access the full program here.
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Trauma Informed Practice:
Self Paced Learning
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Designed for early career practitioners this resource aims to build your confidence in traumainformed practice. It’s a short course for practitioners working with children, young people and families. It covers the core principles of safety, trust, empowerment and respect, alongside practical engagement strategies, organisational supports and ways to look after your own wellbeing. You can access the resource here.
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Queensland Child Safety Commission of Inquiry
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REPORTING DATE BROUGHT FORWARD
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The Commission of Inquiry into the Child Safety System's Final Report to government is now due May 22nd. As such those planning on making a submission are urged to do so as soon as possible.
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The Commission has received more than 880 submissions including 670 from individuals, as well as hearing from many witnesses directly involved in the child safety system.
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You can make a submission or find out more information here.
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Coming Soon
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15th April is Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD)
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YHMD raises awareness about the complexity of life for young people who experience homelessness or are at risk.
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Youth homelessness remains high on the public agenda.
A safe place for every young Australian.
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EDUCATE: share messages and content. Resources to share are available here.
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ACTIVATE: host or attend events.
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DONATE: support youth homelessness services.
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End youth homelessness.
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