Construction starts on new youth services facility in Morayfield

Construction has started on a new facility for SEQ youth in need, as statistics reveal 22.5 per cent of prep aged students in the area are considered vulnerable. SEE THE PLANS

Construction has started on a new facility for SEQ youth in need, as statistics reveal 22.5 per cent of prep aged students in the area are considered vulnerable.

The Property Industry Foundation, in partnership with Act for Kids, Liebke Builders and Budget Direct powered by Auto & General, has started construction on a new youth services facility at 12 Station Rd, Morayfield, in the Moreton Bay region.

According to the Australian Early Development Census, 22.5 per cent of prep aged children living in Morayfield are vulnerable on two or more measure domains.

This is two times the national average of 11 per cent and nearly 10 per cent higher than the Queensland average of 13.9 per cent.

From left to right: Pat Liebke, Dr Katrina Lines, Queensland Minister Police and Corrective Service Hon Mark Ryan, Board of Directors Caboolture Sports Club Kevin Kaeser, Martin Van Rensburg, Nick Prestwood, Roy Briggs, and Susan Mercer.

Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines said they had a vision to establish a dedicated centre to support youths who have experienced, or are at risk of neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse in the Morayfield-Caboolture region.

“As it stands, there are limited trauma informed therapy services for children and young people in the Morayfield Caboolture region,” Dr Lines said.

Construction has started on a new facility for SEQ youth, as statistics reveal 22.5 per cent of prep aged students in the area are considered vulnerable. Photo – contributed.

“This abandoned building will start being transformed into a positive space where hundreds of children and young people in the area will get access to the help they need.

“Our team of specialists will support these children, to help them overcome obstacles in their lives and achieve better long-term outcomes.”

Construction has started on a new facility for SEQ youth, as statistics reveal 22.5 per cent of prep aged students in the area are considered vulnerable. Picture – contributed.

Property Industry Foundation CEO Kate Mills said the realisation of the project would meet significant demand in the northern Brisbane region and offer a life raft to those in need.

“Today marks the beginning of brighter futures for children and young people in Brisbane’s north as our new project in Morayfield plays a crucial role in accommodating the demand for safe and supportive spaces,” Ms Mills said.

Construction has started on a new facility for SEQ youth, as statistics reveal 22.5 per cent of prep aged students in the area are considered vulnerable. Picture – contributed.

“In response to an evident need, our new centre in Morayfield will provide stability and support for its patients to learn, build confidence and live out their dreams, which in return reduces the risk of homelessness.”

“In Queensland there are more than 4,500 young people who don’t have safe and secure housing and early intervention programs, such as those offered by Act for Kids, are vital in ending youth homelessness.”

Construction has started on a new facility for SEQ youth, as statistics reveal 22.5 per cent of prep aged students in the area are considered vulnerable. Picture – contributed.

The new youth services facility will deliver three therapy rooms as well as welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces.

Clinical programs on offer will include speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and counselling services, and action-based intervention therapy.

The refurbishment of the building is set to be completed by August, 2022, with services accessible immediately.