New Whyalla Youth Foyer brings housing, opportunities for young people

New Youth Foyer coming to Whyalla 

A new Youth Foyer is coming to Whyalla, with Cornerstone Housing, Housing Australia and Mission Australia collaborating to deliver purpose-built, supported accommodation for young people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.  

The Youth Foyer model is a proven solution to tackling youth homelessness and housing instability nationally. In Whyalla, youth homelessness has been growing as young people deal with rising rents, cost of living pressures and a lack of affordable housing locally.  

The Whyalla Youth Foyer will have 20 units for young people aged 16-24 and 24/7 onsite support from Mission Australia, whose office will be co-located alongside the foyer.

Supporting young people to thrive

The foyer will allow local young people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness to stay in their community and access safe and secure housing plus the support they need to pursue education, training and employment opportunities while transitioning towards independence.

The project has the support of the Whyalla City Council, and local young people have been consulted on the design to ensure it meets the needs of the community. Funding for the Whyalla Youth Foyer has been provided by Housing Australia, Cornerstone Housing Ltd and Mission Australia. Construction is expected to commence in early 2027.

Partnering for a good cause

Mission Australia Executive General Manager Community Services Sue Budalich said, “Mission Australia is proud to be partnering with Cornerstone Housing and Housing Australia on this vital project.

“Through our Youth Foyer in Townsville, Queensland, we’ve seen firsthand how the Foyer model provides young people with not only a safe place to live, but the support, stability and life skills they need to complete their education, pursue employment and build independence. We are excited to bring these opportunities to young people in Whyalla.

“Mission Australia has committed to funding the operational support component of the Youth Foyer for five years, complementing the housing investment from Cornerstone, and ensuring young people can access the tailored support that sits at the heart of the Foyer model. We know the impact of the foyer will extend beyond the young people who will call it home, with the wider Whyalla community set to benefit.”

Cornerstone Housing Ltd CEO Wesley Chapman said, “The needs of young people in regional communities are often overlooked, and the establishment of a Youth Foyer in Whyalla represents an important investment in their future.

“This facility has the potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people by providing a safe and supportive place to live, build independence and achieve their goals, supported by wraparound services delivered by Mission Australia.

“At Cornerstone Housing, we are proud to partner with Mission Australia and Housing Australia to deliver this important facility. We recognise the positive impact the Youth Foyer will have not only on the young people it supports, but also on the broader community. We are also grateful to the team at the City of Whyalla for their support in helping make this important project a reality.”

Housing Australia Acting CEO Sarah Amos said, “The Whyalla Youth Foyer will help break the cycle of youth homelessness by providing young people with the stability, support and opportunities they need to build a strong and bright future.

"Too many young people face barriers to education, training and employment because they don't have access to secure housing. The Whyalla Youth Foyer has been designed to support young people at a critical stage in their lives, helping them build confidence, develop life skills and create pathways to long-term independence.

"Housing Australia is proud to support this project through the Housing Australia Future Fund - Crisis and Transitional (HAFF-CT). Together with Mission Australia and Cornerstone Housing, Housing Australia’s investment will help expand opportunities for young people in regional South Australia and deliver lasting social and economic benefits for the Whyalla community."

Whyalla City Council Mayor Phil Stone said, "This is an exciting opportunity for Whyalla and the region and represents a major investment in improving the future for local youth.

"Council are proud to have played a significant role in advocating for this facility for our community, together with Mission Australia and Cornerstone Housing, which will provide young people with a safe and secure place to call home while supporting them to access education, employment, life skills and the connections they need to build an independent life.

"It's been quite a journey to get to this point, so this is an incredibly positive announcement, and we can't wait to see the opportunities it will create for young people across Whyalla."