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April 2025
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Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) 16th April 25
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It was wonderful celebrating our Specialist Youth Homelessness Services and young people this year. Our sincere thanks to Hon. Sam O’Connor Minister for Housing, Public Works and Youth who attended QYHC’s YHMD afternoon tea with young people and SYHS to assist us in thanking all those who support and encourage our young people in Queensland who are at risk or experiencing homelessness. The work you do really matters!
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QYHC and SYHS also presented Minister O’Connor with our annual YHMD poster. This year’s message - a list of the key priorities to end youth homelessness, which he graciously received. It’s quite the list!
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QYHC is a proud member of the National Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) Campaign. This year the messages were resounding across the country over social media, in the mainstream media and via many creative and entertaining events, perhaps none quite so outstanding as the Northern Territory’s couch racing event! Couch surfing in Darwin is a great annual YHMD event!
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There’s still more to come!
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The Young and Alone Campaign will begin late June and runs until Homelessness Week 2025.
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SYHS can still sign up to receive donations. There is likely to be more traction for donations during this period.
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This is a $2.5 million pro bono advertising campaign, running across all states, to raise awareness of youth homelessness with the Australian public and drive donations to support the sector. We are urging the public to donate an hour of pay to fight youth homelessness.
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Young and Alone is the theme for the Awareness campaign. This as an excellent opportunity for the sector to raise funds and further awareness.
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More information coming in May.
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Youth services around Queensland joined with their local communities in celebrating Youth Week 2025.
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YPA - Mt Isa
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In partnership with the Mt Isa Community, Mithangkaya Nguli Young People Ahead Indigenous Corporation hosted a hugely successful colour fun run event. ColourXplosion showcased the Mt Isa community working together, celebrating young people and creating memories.
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BABI - Wynnum
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BABI hosted Baywave Festival at Lota Skate Park. Young people were treated to a day of live music, skate demos, basketball clinics and community stalls.
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YouTurn - Sunshine Coast
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YouTurn had a blast at the North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health Youth Day. There was so much for young people to do from live music and a photo booth to cultural performances from local artists.
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Brisbane City Council
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Brisbane City Council celebrated with a huge line up of events including bubble soccer, t-shirt printing and basketball tournaments. The highlight was jam sessions at Visible Ink.
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ICYS - Ipswich
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ICYS partnered with the Ipswich community for a week of fun events including music drop in and art, information stalls and gaming sessions. The week concluded with the Ipswich Youth and Community Festival.
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Youth Outreach, Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth - Gold Coast
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Youth Outreach kicked off Youth Week at their Youth Outreach Echo Centre by hosting a “Cooking Up a Storm” dinner event for Hon. Sam O’Connor, Minister for Housing, Public Works and Youth and Management Committee members. Young people demonstrated their culinary, performance and public speaking skills.
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YFS - Logan
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YFS joined the Logan community at Shine 2025 to celebrate the contributions of young people. In spite of the rain the community enjoyed a BBQ, live music, lawn games and giveaways. Information about available services was also offered.
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QYS - Townsville
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QYS participated in a range of events to celebrate youth week. This included Youth Day when the youth community came together for carnival games, graffiti, basketball and prizes. QYS opened their doors to the community for activities and a chance to meet staff.
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Multilink Community Services
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Multilink Community Services hosted their Cultural Connections event to celebrate culture, community pride, powerful performances and youth voices.
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The Queensland Youth Week Digital Art Competition is still open for young Queenslanders aged 12–25 to showcase digital artwork that reflects empowerment, creativity, and community spirit.
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- 1st place prize: $1,000 + exclusive license with the Department of Housing and Public Works (DHPW); artwork featured for QYW 2026
- 2nd place prize: $500 + non-exclusive license with DHPW
- 3rd place prize: $250 + non-exclusive license with DHPW
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Enter here by Tuesday 6th May, 2025
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2024 winning entry “Here, have a popsicle!”
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Introducing a Reunification Program for Young People
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Ruby's Reunification Program supports young people aged 12-15 and their families in rebuilding relationships and staying connected.
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It aims to keep young people out of the child protection and homelessness systems.
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Ruby’s provides short-term stays in a home-like environment. It gives families a chance to take a break while working toward reunification. Through a mix of counselling, structured support, and planned time apart, families can work through challenges and strengthen their relationships.
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Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) has two Ruby’s houses, located in: Alderley (four beds) and Brisbane southside (four beds).
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More information is available here. Refer here.
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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 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; transport and moving costs, such as vehicle registration; Go Cards, removalists and identification; mobile phone and prepaid phone credit.
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To access, a young person must be supported by a service provider, support agency or Housing Service Centre – young people are not able to apply for the funding without support. Find out more here.
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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.
Read more about the Youth Subsidy here.
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You can read more updates 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
- People who need housing help can go to qld.gov.au/housinghelp, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
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Homelessness Australia Conference on the Gold Coast
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Researchers, government and non-government organisations, policy makers and young people from around Australia will join in sharing research, policy and practice wisdom, including many informative sessions for the youth sector. The conference is 17th and 18th June. Read more here.
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BUMP
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Referrals are welcome for the Bump program which starts on Thursday 8th May until 27th November. This 26-week evidence based one on one mentoring program for pregnant or parenting Mums under 25 years is held every Thursday morning 9:30am-12.30pm at KENG (Kingston East Neighbourhood Group).
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Queensland Child Protection Week (QCPW) Awards 2025
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Nominations are closing soon:
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There are many categories to consider. Several are particularly pertinent for the youth sector including -
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- Professional (non-government)
- Youth Participation
- Thriving Communities Initiative
- Child Safe Organisation
- Education Initiative
- Regional Program
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Nominate here - award nominations close 16 May!
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Logan’s new Youth Centre
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Logan's first dedicated youth space, the Wilbur Street Youth Centre, has a huge array of activities for young people. With Rekon Youth at the helm, this Council-owned facility is located next to the Logan Central Library.
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The centre features a range of spaces including a 'hang-out' zone, indoor multi-purpose court, quiet room, rehearsal studio, dedicated First Nations space, creative maker space, technology space, commercial kitchen, laundry, and other amenities.
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Campaigns - Federal Election, May 3rd 2025
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Home Time is supported by a national coalition of services, peak bodies and experts. including QYHC.
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Home Time are calling on all parties and candidates to commit to action for children and young people alone with nowhere to live. The next government has a chance to include young people in their housing policies. Home Time calls on all parties to:
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- Create 15,000 dedicated housing units for young people.
- Offer support services to help their independence.
- Remove the Youth Housing Penalty blocking access to social housing.
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Everybody’s Home is assessing housing policies of political parties and candidates within 3 key criteria:
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- Government Responsibility: Ensuring all Australians have access to housing
- Investment Scale: Considering the actual level of investment in housing
- Systemic Approach: Ensuring housing affordability for a broad population
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View the Federal Election Commitment Tracker here.
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2025 Federal Budget
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The Government is providing $9.3 billion to states and territories to help: maintain and repair social housing. This includes the doubling of funding for homelessness services to around $400 million a year. This Budget also provides $6.2 million for peak bodies to undertake homelessness research, advocacy and coordination.
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REPORTS, ARTICLES AND PUBLICATIONS
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Enhancing housing recovery policy & practice for improving community resilience to future disasters
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The threat to housing in Australia from hazards such as bushfires, floods and cyclones is increasing, with replacement costs escalating. A Climate Council of Australia report found that one in 25 Australian homes (around 500,000 homes) is at high risk of becoming effectively uninsurable by 2030. This means new short-term relief strategies and longer-term housing recovery solutions need to be developed.
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Youth justice in Australia 2023–24
28th March, 2025
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Youth justice in Australia 2023–24 looks at the 4,227 young people who were under youth justice supervision on an average day in Australia during 2023–24. The report explores the characteristics of young people under youth justice supervision, with a focus on First Nations young people, who continue to be overrepresented in the youth justice system. Other areas of focus include the length of time spent under supervision, supervision history, trends in supervision and state and territory findings.
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AIHW Report - April 2, 2025
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Improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people requires addressing the underlying systemic inequalities in the social and cultural determinants of health. The 2020 National Agreement on Closing the Gap includes 17 socio economic outcomes and targets which aim to address these issues (Australian Government 2020). Understanding how these systemic inequalities can be addressed requires high quality evidence on both the determinants of the socio-economic outcomes and on effective strategies at local and national levels.
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This strategy outlines a comprehensive approach involving the entire government and community to incorporate trauma-informed practices throughout Queensland. Over the next five years, it aims to foster optimal conditions for individuals, families, caregivers, and communities to access the right support as early as possible. Read here.
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Inquiry into projecting Australia’s urban and regional futures: population dynamics, regional mobility and planning responses
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This research Inquiry investigated different ways to predict local population growth and change. It looked at what drives people to move between urban and regional Australia and what this migration means for planning infrastructure and housing to support population growth and change. Read the report here.
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Specialist homelessness services annual report 2023-2024
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The Specialist Homelessness Services Annual Report outlines the key characteristics of clients receiving support in 2023–24, detailing the services they sought, the outcomes achieved, and any unmet service requests.
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As of March 2025, a new report has been introduced focusing on clients who are employed while also accessing specialist homelessness services.
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Landlords are key to rental housing stability -16 Apr 2025
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New research finds two very different investing behaviours.
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New AHURI research reveals half of all rental properties are held for only 2 years or less, however nearly a third of all landlords retain a rental property for over 20 years.
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This suggests there are at least two distinct investment strategies of landlords: short-term investors and long-term investors.
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Is your organisation Child Safe?
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Every child has the right to feel and be safe at all times. Safety requires active effort. The implementation of child safe standards is happening across Queensland – dates are highlighted in the image. Find out more here.
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This survey reveals the significant pressure the housing crisis is placing on frontline service providers and their clients. Across various sectors -homelessness, domestic violence, financial counselling, and emergency relief - organisations are facing unprecedented demand, with 98% reporting higher workloads over the past year. Soaring rental prices, insufficient income support, and a shortage of affordable housing have combined to push more Australians into housing distress, overwhelming service providers. Read more, including recommendations to alleviate the pressure here.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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GCBF Funding Rounds 2025
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In 2025, the Gambling Community Benefit Fund will have 3 funding rounds (2 are still available):
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- Round 124: $100,000 Super Round - opening mid-May and closing 30 June
- Round 125: $35,000 Standard Grant - opening mid-September and closing 31 October
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RESOURCES AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
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Dovetail is the youth-focused service of Insight, Queensland's Centre for alcohol and other drug workforce development. They support workers, services, and communities across Queensland in assisting young people engaged in alcohol and other drug use. Services include:
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- Support: Tailored practice advice for working with young people, guidance on program development and policy improvement. Support can be in person, by phone, email or video call.
- Training: Free eLearning, or online and in-person workshops, available statewide, including in rural and remote areas.
- Resources: Practical guides, fact sheets, videos, and toolkits designed for workers and services.
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More information on Dovetail’s resources can be accessed here.
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New resources from WellMob
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Wellmob has launched a new "Workplace Wellbeing Resource Sheet" aimed at supporting workers and promoting culturally safe workplaces. This resource provides a curated selection of links to practical tools and guidance on various topics, including self-care at work, managing cultural load, racism, addressing isolation, and preventing black burnout. Access resources here.
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Talking about the elephant
in the room
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Elephant Ed’s vision is to build a world where every individual is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to make informed, healthy, and respectful decisions about consent, relationships, and sexuality.
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Student workshops, Staff PD and Parent Webinars are available. Find more here.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on what works in social and emotional wellbeing programs - March, 2025
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Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) 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 a range of diverse programs and looks at what the success factors were for participants in these programs. The paper provides some considerations for practitioners and other professionals.
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Amplifying the voices of people with disability
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Explore resources that promote the inclusion of people with disability and how practitioners can reinforce their voices.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
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Calling all budding radio announcers!
Triple J are looking for the next wave of on-air yappers to join the team! More information is available here
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In The News
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