Tuesday, 8 March 2022

Western Victoria Region

Mr GRIMLEY (Western Victoria) (12:13): (1661) My question is to the Minister for Housing in the other place. Geelong needs a youth foyer. We have seen the fantastic results this concept has reaped in Shepparton, and we would like to see the same benefits in Geelong. A youth foyer is a supported accommodation option for at-risk or homeless young people between the ages of 16 and 24. As part of the agreement to live in a youth foyer, you must be studying or engaging in education. No person pays more than 30 per cent of their income to live at the facility and supports are provided to its residents. They also receive support to find a place to live when they leave the foyer. It is an incredible early intervention concept and a way to keep kids out of trouble and on a positive trajectory. Geelong is keen to have at least 40 beds in a facility similar to the Shepparton model. Infrastructure Victoria’s 30-year strategy makes it clear that the government should build six youth foyers in regional Victoria before 2026, and this would be a step in the right direction. Minister, is your government supportive of a Geelong youth foyer, and will you work with the local community and the stakeholders to progress their plans?