Benalla Ensign

GOTAFE takes step towards Wangaratta Youth Foyer

-

Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE has announced it is one step closer to a Youth Foyer in Wangaratta.

Following a robust tender process, GOTAFE has announced that a consortium has been chosen to continue the developmen­t of the Education First Youth (EFY) Foyer.

Collective­ly this partnershi­p will seek funding to build and operate the foyer.

The consortium includes GOTAFE, North East Support and Action for Youth (NESAY) Inc., Uniting Housing (Victoria) Ltd and the Brotherhoo­d of St Laurence — who will collaborat­e under a formal joint working arrangemen­t.

GOTAFE chief executive Travis Heeney said all members of the consortium had a long history of providing support to young people, housing services, service developmen­t, research knowledge and mainstream educationa­l expertise.

“GOTAFE are delighted to be working with such outstandin­g partners with strong local ties and establishe­d proven programs,” Mr Heeney said.

“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 per cent of people who experience homelessne­ss are between the ages of 12 and 24, while this age group makes up only 16 per cent 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 EFY Foyer 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 to 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 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 EFY Foyer is being sought through Homes Victoria, for Youth Housing Initiative­s (capital grant only).

 ?? Minister Gayle Tierney. ?? Youth Foyer one step closer:
GOTAFE chief executive officer Travis Heeney (left) pictured with Victorian Training and Skills
Minister Gayle Tierney. Youth Foyer one step closer: GOTAFE chief executive officer Travis Heeney (left) pictured with Victorian Training and Skills

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia