Victoria - New accommodation and learning service for Ballarat’s young people

Funded through the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, a new supported youth housing service in Ballarat has opened its doors. The Gillies Street, Wendouree development consists of 18 self contained one and two-bedroom units and also includes communal living, training and office spaces as well as staff accommodation.

Based on the successful British “Foyer” model, the new homes provide an integrated learning and accommodation service for young people aged 16 to 25 who are undertaking study or work and who may be experiencing or at risk of homelessness and disadvantage.

Young people who access this service will remain in a supported living arrangement for up to two years, while learning important life skills such as how to cook, manage bills, seek and present for employment.

The service is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be managed by UnitingCare Housing Victoria. A consortium of local agencies, led by UnitingCare Ballarat, has been appointed to run this new integrated youth support and housing service for a period of three years. Local consortium partners include, Department of Education, community health service and registered training providers.

The six-star energy rated development includes environmentally friendly design features such as rain water capture and was built from a mixture of natural and sustainable materials.

This new development is the result of a partnership between the Australian and Victorian governments. The capital cost of the project was met through the Australian Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan - Social Housing Initiative and ongoing funding for support services is being provided by the Australian and Victorian governments through the National Partnership Agreement – Homelessness.

‘Karrung’ is the new name for this service which means my place, hut, home or camp in the local Wadawurrung language.