Ipswich community organisation Y-Care (South East Queensland) Inc. has received funding under the Queensland Government’s $8 million Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership (CIIP) program.
The $235,240 grant will accelerate the refurbishment of a former aged-care facility into a youth centre.
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the CIIP program is investing in social infrastructure to boost services for communities impacted by COVID-19 and to create local jobs.
“COVID-19 restrictions have seen a rise in the number of disadvantaged people aged 12 to 25 seeking support services related to domestic violence, housing, mental illness, social isolation and financial assistance,” Ms Howard said.
“Investing in the development of a youth centre will allow Y-Care to give people a real opportunity in the region.
“The introduction of new programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work will lead to increased staff and volunteer levels, and the expanded facilities will have operational space available for complementary community groups to use.
“The renovated youth centre will make a positive difference in the Ipswich community.
“The Queensland Government is committed to planning and delivering social infrastructure to stimulate job creation, grow the economy and create connected liveable communities.”
Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Steven Miles said the program was accelerating Queensland’s COVID-19 economic recovery.
“We’re investing in social infrastructure to boost services for communities impacted by COVID-19 and to create local jobs,” Mr Miles said.
“Infrastructure is about more than just large construction projects – it is also about small to medium projects that make a real impact at a local level and help boost the heart and soul of a community.
“Each project will help to address an identified community service need that has been exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to working with local organisations to build resilient communities by supporting improved social infrastructure and services as part of our ongoing COVID-19 recovery effort, as well as create local jobs.”
YMCA Social Impact is the charitable arm of the Y Brisbane and operates as Y-Care (South East Queensland) Inc. It offers multiple programs serving marginalised and disadvantaged young people and families, including community housing, schools’ breakfast program, social enterprise, vocational school and community hubs, and youth education and mentoring.
YMCA Community Services Manager Bec Andlemac said the space located in the Ipswich CBD would give young people somewhere central where they can be creative, be connected and give back to the community.
“We are excited to give young people the opportunity to be all they can be and are very grateful for the financial support from the Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership program in order to help make this happen.”
Pending development application approval, works are expected to begin in August and be completed by October 2021.
For more information about CIIP visit Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership (CIIP) | State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
