A brighter future for Wangaratta youth – foyer consortium confirmed
GOTAFE is excited to announce that we are one step closer to a Youth Foyer in Wangaratta.
Through a robust tender process, GOTAFE is pleased to announce that a consortium has been chosen to continue the development of the Education First Youth Foyer (EYFY) in Wangaratta. Collectively this partnership will seek funding to build and operate the Foyer.
The Consortium, consisting of GOTAFE, NESAY Inc., Uniting Housing (Victoria) Limited, and Brotherhood of St Laurence, will collaborate under a formal joint working arrangement. All members of the Consortium have a long history of providing support to young people, housing services, service development, research knowledge and mainstream educational expertise.
"GOTAFE is delighted to be working with such outstanding partners with strong local ties and established proven programs. Diverse, strong, and effective community connections and partnerships are essential to the success of the EFY Foyer model."
Wangaratta has no youth refuge and little supported accommodation for young people while they study. Recent data published by the Youth Affairs Council Victoria found 26% of people who experience homelessness are between the ages of 12 and 24, whilst this age group makes up only 16% of the population.
“We need to provide a safe, secure education pathway for our youth so they can achieve their goals and participate fully in our communities,” Mr Heeney said.
The EFYF initiative will include the project management and construction of a three-level building combining 40 individual studio apartments with community living spaces. It will provide young people (16 -24 years) experiencing or at risk of homelessness accommodation while undertaking education, training, and employment opportunities to expand on their capabilities and build life skills.
The site is located adjacent to the Wangaratta GOTAFE Campus, the Train Station, and is on the fringe of the CBD. The site is part of a larger education precinct and is close to all Wangaratta’s amenities. The project is shovel-ready pending funding.
Funding for the Wangaratta EFYF is being sought through Homes Victoria, for Youth Housing Initiatives (capital grant only).
Learn more about the proposed Education First Youth Foyer