July 1, 2021
Urgent pleas for funding to provide 24-hour supervision at a vital youth hostel in Kingaroy have paid off, with the State Government this week confirming two years of financial support.
In February, South Burnett CTC warned the South Burnett’s only emergency accommodation for young people could close if a request for funding from the State Government was not approved urgently.
The hostel in Kingaroy provides accommodation for people aged from 16-21 who are homeless but who are not in the residential care system with the Department of Child Safety.
It provided 1823 bed nights during the past 12 months.
At the time, team leader Nick Krauksts said the funding was necessary to provide live-in supervision from 5:00pm to 9:00am..
For the past seven years, this position – which is a paid role at similar hostels in other parts of Queensland – had been filled by a volunteer.
However, the volunteer retired last year and has since moved to the United States.
South Burnett CTC CEO Nina Temperton received confirmation this week the extra funding for the youth hostel had now been approved.
The State Government funds will cover the period from July 1 this year to June 30, 2023, and is on top of other funding previously approved for the hostel.
Mrs Temperton said it would mean a worker could be rostered on overnight and allow CTC to house some young people whom they may have been forced to turn away in other circumstances.
She was very grateful for the support from the Department.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, who also threw her weight behind the campaign, said it was excellent news for the South Burnett as there was a high need for the service.
- Related article: Urgent Plea For Homeless Help
