Mission Australia opens Townsville Youth Foyer

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Queensland’s newest Youth Foyer has officially opened in Townsville, providing affordable housing for up to 40 young people aged 16-24, while they work on their education and employment goals.

On Wednesday July 10, Mission Australia hosted the opening ceremony of the Townsville Youth Foyer, a safe and appropriate place for 40 young people to call home.

The opening ceremony was attended by Premier Steven Miles, Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon, Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister, Mission Australia Chairman Ian Hammond, State Member for Townsville Scott Stewart, Foyer foundation CEO Liz Cameron-Smith and Member for Mundingburra Les Walker.

Mission Australia's CEO, Sharon Callister said she was delighted to finally open the much-anticipated service and thanked those who advocated for the project.

“Mission Australia’s Townsville Youth Foyer will provide vital support and play a big part in addressing youth homelessness in Townsville,” she said.

“This is a safe, secure and affordable place to live and study, where young people are also supported as part of the program to develop their skills, independence and resources needed to achieve their personal goals and step into a brighter future.

“We are grateful for the community and government support and to those who have championed this facility.”

First announced in 2019, the foyer has been five years in the making, with the first residents moving in in late May.

The service aims to empower young people to take control of their lives and achieve their full potential by providing them with a safe and stable place to live for up to two years, during which time they will be exposed to a range of life skills and personal development opportunities.

Mission Australia will manage the Youth Foyer and provide 24-hour support and supervision to the young tenants living there.

Townsville Youth Foyer is Mission Australia’s first Youth Foyer, and the third of its kind in Queensland (after Logan and Gold Coast).

“Unfortunately, there is a critical shortage of affordable housing for young people in regional Australia, which is why we are opening the Townsville Youth Foyer today,” Ms Callister said.

“Everyone deserves the chance to transition to adult life and follow their dreams, without having to worry about finding a safe place to call home.”