Education First Youth Foyer - Wangaratta
GOTAFE is pleased to announce that through Homes Victoria’s Youth Housing $50m Funding round, we have been successful in attracting investment of $13.4m to construct the Education First Youth Foyer in Wangaratta.
At GOTAFE, we aim to improve the quality of life for young people in our region by providing evidence-based solutions to keep disadvantaged young people in education.
The Education First Youth Foyer supports young people aged 16 to 24 years who want to study but are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness. It has a 24/7 staffing model and staff support the participants to set goals, build skills, and meaningfully engage in learning and the community.
A site at 31 Docker St Wangaratta has been identified for the development of a youth foyer to allow for participant access to employment, education, and transport within the Wangaratta CBD.
Hear from the students
GOTAFE has a proven track record of operating a Youth Foyer in Shepparton. More than 200 young people have been supported to complete their education since the Foyer opened five years ago.
In this video, residents of the Berry Street Youth Foyer discuss how the Foyer has set them up for success in both their study and personal lives.
The solution
We need to build an Education First Youth Foyer in Wangaratta because:
- They are proven to effectively address the key challenges impacting young people.
- They provide integrated learning and accommodation for young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
- They support young people who are motivated to engage with education and training in a supportive environment.
- Stable housing is a means of ensuring young people can commit fully to their education.
- The model is based on the principle that educational attainment is key to providing a route out of disadvantage for young people.
Hear from the staff
Watch why staff believe an Education First Youth Foyer in Wangaratta would positively impact young people.
Frequently asked questions
Education First Youth Foyers
Why do we need an Education First Youth Foyer in Wangaratta?
Homelessness is an increasing challenge in Wangaratta; in 2020-21 Wangaratta-based NESAY supported 98 young people who were experiencing homelessness. Education First Youth Foyers break the cycle of homelessness and welfare dependency through the provision of stable, supported accommodation and education.
Are there other Education First Youth Foyers operating nearby?
There are 13 accredited youth foyers operating in Australia. GOTAFE partners in operating another Education First Youth Foyer in Shepparton, opposite their campus, which has been in operation since 2016. The Brotherhood of St Laurence, a partner in this project and the Shepparton site, also delivers the Education First Youth Foyers in Glen Waverly and Broadmeadows.
How do we know that we are not going to have an increase in crime and noise from having 40 disadvantaged young people housed in the area?
The Education First Youth Foyer Model has a 24/7 staffing model. Staff support participants to set goals, build skills, and meaningfully engage in learning and the community.
Docker Street site
Why has 31 Docker St been selected as a site?
The site has been selected to allow for participant access to employment, education, and transport. Participants will be supported to obtain employment during their stay and are unlikely to have transport, so the jobs need to be within walking distance.
Why does the existing Californian Bungalow need to be demolished?
We have considered a range of options for the existing building including retaining the building, moving the building, or incorporating the building into the development. To retain or incorporate the current building a four-five storey building would be required, rather than the proposed three-storey development.
Why does the building have to be so tall? Why can’t you just house fewer people?
In other Youth Foyers operated by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, it has been shown that having around 40-50 participants allows for positive group dynamics, meets individual needs, and is economically viable. Given the limited land footprint available at 31 Docker St, a three-storey 40-participant foyer has been designed.
What changes are being made at 31 Docker Street?
It is likely that the current building at 31 Docker Street will be demolished to make way for the new Education First Youth Foyer building.
What changes are being made to parking?
Car parking has been allowed within the Youth Foyer for staff and participant vehicles. This will be provided to avoid impacts on available street parking around Docker St. The parking lot owned by GOTAFE to the rear of the existing building will be within the footprint of the new building and no longer available for use.
Has using the Cusack House site for the Youth Foyer been considered?
The Victorian Government is funding 6 new Tech Schools including in Wangaratta on the Cusack House site. More information on the Tech School investments can be found here.
Planning
Who is behind this development?
A consortium has been formed to lead the project; this includes GOTAFE, Uniting Housing, NESAY and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
How far advanced is the planning?
We’re in the concept design stage. The development aims to complement the award-winning ‘Railway Precinct Enhancement Project’ and will comply with relevant standards including energy efficiency, open space, landscaping, waste, and stormwater management.
Now that we have successfully secured funding, GOTAFE will engage an architect to develop the detailed designs of the Youth Foyer.
When will construction commence?
Construction is due to take place in 2025, with the project aimed to be completed in 2026.
How will the current heritage on the site be retained?
To understand the heritage requirements for the current building, GOTAFE has worked with planning departments in the Rural City of Wangaratta and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. GOTAFE has also engaged a heritage advisor who will provide a report and recommendations on what action should be taken.
Where is the funding coming from for this project?
GOTAFE has successfully secured a $13.4 million investment for construction of the Education First Youth Foyer through the Victorian Government’s $50 million Youth Housing Capital Grants program.