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March 2026 Edition
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Platform 1225, 2026 - THAT'S A WRAP!
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Those who work with young people in Queensland’s non-government and government organisations joined with colleagues from around Australia and packed into Rydges Ballroom to soak in Platform 1225. This was a great opportunity to hear from our experts – academics, practitioners and young people. Thank you to Mel Buttle, who was fantastic, to our fabulous MC Ruby, our presenters, young people and all who attended!
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This was a wonderful opportunity to hear from brilliant presenters and experts in their fields – academics, practitioners, young people and campaign coordinators.
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The consistency of key messages across presenters was striking. The most consistent of which was: WE NEED TO SUPPORT A SHIFT TO PREVENTION!
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Queensland leading the way - Queensland received a shout out from our southern colleagues in leading the way with our Youth Housing and Homelessness Strategy. States and Territories around Australia are now working with their governments to follow our footsteps and develop their own youth housing and homelessness strategies.
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Consistent key messages across presentations:
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- Listen, have empathy, build rapport and recognise any behavioural change takes time and significant support and guidance.
- Ask questions, be curious.
- Young people have significant difficulty navigating systems. Not because they have difficulties but because systems are not set up for young people.
- The importance of family and connections.
- Prevention and intervention as early as possible is key in most social issues, especially DFV and youth homelessness
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Our Housing and Public Works and Youth Minister, Sam O’Connor, had a relaxed and robust conversation with young people and the specialist youth homelessness sector.
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Conversations spanned the importance of listening to young people and how vital genuine codesign is in ensuring responses to young people’s needs are accessible and youth friendly.
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The current rhetoric on young people in the media and community’s impact was discussed alongside the need to have policies and programs for young people that focus on their learning and development with meaningful consequences for behaviours and accountability – not punishment. We need to recognise the experiences young people have in their childhood and young adulthood are often created by adults.
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They spoke to trauma and missed opportunities in life being the precursor to behaviours of concern. The lack of compassion for young people who have had multiple significant traumas and abuses was disheartening to young people. They would like to be supported in their healing and be part of organisations and communities.
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Young people spoke of how difficult it is to engage with organisations that are complicated and large.
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They spoke at length about the complexity of navigating systems, consistent feedback from young people. Systems and services often feel overwhelming, confusing and institutional.
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THANK YOU!
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Thank you to all our thought provoking and inspirational presenters! A huge thanks to our sponsors with special mention to LWB who went above and beyond in supporting us. Their management and staff were next level in collegiality!!!
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Thanks also to the businesses who recognised the wonderful staff in our sector by gifting lucky door prizes:
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- Deep Grey Photography - 3 x $250 vouchers
- Comedy Club tickets x 2
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- 4 x Suncorp Stadium Roar V Melbourne
- Rydges Hotel – River sights and city lights accomodation package
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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. Find resources to share here. Download the QLD fact sheet 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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The Home Time campaign calls for national action to support the 40,000 children and young people in Australia with no safe place to live. Its Action Plan urges governments to:
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- Create 15,000 dedicated youth tenancies for 16–24 year olds
- Provide linked support services to help young people pursue education, work and independence
- Close the rental gap so providers can sustainably offer housing to young people who’ve been homeless
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This Youth Homelessness Matters Day, the campaign is urging politicians nationwide to focus on the children and young people with nowhere safe to live. Ahead of the 2026 Federal Budget, they are calling for a Youth Housing Supplement to ensure young people are no longer locked out of social housing. To support this measure, take the time to email the Treasurer and your local MP here.
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Campaign Launch
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26 frontline community organisations have launched Raising Queensland, a statewide campaign responding to University of Queensland research showing that almost one in four children are not meeting developmental milestones.
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The report highlights higher child poverty than other states and major gaps in housing, health, mental health, and education - especially in regional Queensland.
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The campaign calls on government to act on six priorities: a comprehensive Families Strategy, secure housing, equitable learning access, improved health services, increased income support, and stronger investment in local community services. Raising Queensland’s message is clear: with the right policy settings, every child can thrive.
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You can read the report here.
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Queensland Child Rights
Report 2025
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Children’s Commissioner Natalie Lewis released the Queensland Child Rights Report 2025 from the Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner (OATSICC).
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The 2025 report reinforces the call of the previous 2 years for a future focussed coordinated plan for Queensland children – A call we also heard loud and clear from academics, young people and practitioners at our Platform 1225 Conference last week.
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While Queensland has made progress in some areas, the reality is that too many children and young people do not experience the equitable enjoyment of their rights, particularly those with experience in the child protection and youth justice systems. The report emphasises a rights-based approach, focusing on non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, and the right to be heard – so strongly echoed by so many researchers, young people and practitioners!
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These important findings provide a valuable resource for policymakers, professionals and stakeholders committed to promoting the rights of children and young people. You can access the full report 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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Great news for young people in Moreton!
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Chameleon Housing marked a major milestone with the official opening of Clyde House in Strathpine, a newly renovated 5-bedroom house for young people experiencing homelessness. The property includes staff accommodation and a self contained transitional unit for young people.
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QYHC joined the opening celebration, alongside community members and partners. Clyde House represents more than a decade of commitment from community organisations, local businesses, philanthropists, government partners and service providers.
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Speakers reflected on the long journey establishing Clyde House as a powerful example of what can be achieved through genuine collaboration and innovation. After 12 years of collective effort, the service now stands as a testament to what communities can accomplish when they work together for young people.
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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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Voices of Queenslanders
with Disability
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The 2026 Voices of Queenslanders with Disability Survey is live. In its 4th year, it gathers lived experience insights to strengthen disability advocacy, supports and policy across Queensland across seven areas identified under the Australian Disability Strategy 2021-2031.
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Young people’s input into this work is important!
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Please share the survey far and wide with young people and workers and pop it on your socials too.
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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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Paid Opportunity for Young People with Disability (18–25)
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Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) invite young people with disability aged 18–25 to help design the new Lead the Way: Shaping My Future program. Work alongside other young people with disability and QDN staff to help design a program for young people with disability to navigate big life events such as employment, study, living arrangements, and standing up for your rights.
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QDN has two paid opportunities available:
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- Project Advisory Group (5 positions available): guide the program to ensure it is inclusive of young people with disability and reflects topics that matter most to them.
- Co-Design Team (8 positions available): You will help design the content, look and feel of the Lead the Way: Shaping your Future learning topics, activities and resources.
Find more information about the roles and how to apply on QDN’s website.
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Applications close 11:59pm 7 April 2026.
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Important Housing Products for Young People
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Youth Subsidy for CHPs
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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.
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Read more about the Youth Subsidy 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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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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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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Exciting 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. 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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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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17 new homes for Logan
The first housing project delivered through the Queensland Community Housing Investment Pipeline (Q-CHIP) has been completed in Logan.
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Delivered in partnership with Mangrove Housing, the development includes 17 homes for people on the social housing register.
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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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QUEENSLAND CHILD PROTECTION WEEK
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Be part of the 40th Year Celebrations and hold an event or nominate a child protection advocate in one of the many available categories.
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QCPW AWARDS
Do you know someone making a real difference for children and young people in Queensland?
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The annual Queensland Child Protection Awards are your chance to shine a light on individuals, groups, and programs going above and beyond to keep kids safe and help them thrive.
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Categories include professionals (government & non-government), volunteers, regional programs, education initiatives, thriving communities, media & communications, youth participation, and more!
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Let’s celebrate those who work tirelessly in our workplaces, schools, communities, and homes to create safer environments for children.
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Nominate here and help us recognise outstanding contributions to child protection.
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GRANT APPLICATIONS OPEN
Grants are now open to help you create events and activities that make a difference during Queensland Child protection Week. Whether you’re planning a family fun day, a creative project, or a local campaign, we have grants to support you:
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- Regional Grants – $5,000 for events in six QLD regions (with 5+ partner orgs)
- Activity Grants – $1,000 for non-government and community organisations
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Grants – $5,000 for Indigenous-led events
Your event must take place between 6–12 September 2026. Apply now and make a real impact in your community and show that protecting children is everybody’s business.
Find more information and lodge your grant application visit 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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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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On Demand Webinars are back
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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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How to support parents with intellectual disability to meet their parenting goals
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Parents with intellectual disability can experience social and structural challenges that affect their parenting capacity and access to supports. These challenges can contribute to misunderstandings about their ability to parent and may lead to critical support needs being missed. This webinar will explore how to support parents with intellectual disability to achieve positive outcomes for themselves as parents and for their children. Available 18 March to 8 April 2026.
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Supporting non-offending parents after child sexual abuse
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When a child discloses sexual abuse the experience for the non-offending parent(s) can be overwhelming. Parents who receive practical and emotional support during this time are more likely to be able to provide their child with the support they need. This webinar explores strategies practitioners can use to support non-offending parents following a child’s disclosure of sexual abuse. Available 9 April to 30 April 2026
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See the full program here.
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Harmony Week and
Cultural Training
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Harmony Week was 16 to 22 March
This week recognises cultural diversity across the world, and highlights the importance of inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all people. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2026, 21 March 2026, encourages people to strengthen their voices against racism. These significant days are an opportunity to reflect on inclusiveness and promote efforts to eradicate all forms of racial discrimination.
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Navigating cultural differences & ethical dilemmas when working with culturally diverse families
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When practitioners work with children and families from a different culture than their own, they may hear experiences that differ from the norms, knowledge or expectations of their own culture.
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Practitioners may feel uncertain about how to best support the mental health and wellbeing of children and families while maintaining cultural respect, humility and curiosity. This webinar aims to help practitioners maintain humility, curiosity and culturally sensitive practice and reflect on and challenge assumptions, judgements and biases related to cultural differences. You can read more and register here.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on what works in social and emotional wellbeing programs
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Social and emotional wellbeing is a holistic concept that is the foundation for mental and physical health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It recognises the importance of connection to country, culture, spirituality and ancestry. This paper summarises the evidence on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences of programs that address social and emotional wellbeing. Read the paper here.
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