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).