Firstly, I would like to say welcome to the 42nd Annual General Meeting of Gold Coast Youth Service Incorporated (GCYS). It is with some sadness that I write this year’s report as it will be my last as Chairperson of the association.
I have been an active member of the GCYS Management Committee for more than 25 years and fulfilled the role of Chairperson since 2003. Over this time there has been substantial expansion in the services we are now able to offer our community and I am very proud that I have been able to lead the organisation through these many changes and considerable growth.
After 36 years of volunteering on the Gold Coast the time has now come for me to retire. Over these years I have supported a number of organisations and my determination to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our community began in the 1980’s when I single-handedly lobbied the then State Government and successfully secured a 20-unit complex specifically designated to reduce homelessness on the Gold Coast.
I am also very proud that I have also seen come to fruition our 2017 proposal to the Department of Communities, Housing & Digital Economy’s Youth Foyer Initiative. The Youth Foyer opened in 2021 and is a purpose built complex containing 40 single occupancy self-contained units specifically for young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These young people will now have a safe place to gain essential and practical life skills, complete their education, and reach their goal of transitioning to live independently.
The Gold Coast has changed so much over the past 36 years and what has been achieved across our region in supporting our community is truly remarkable. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to be part of realising these achievements and very proud of the many accolades that I, and others, have received over these years.
As Chairperson my parting advise moving forward is to always remember that it is only through continuing to work collaboratively with others that our high standard of service delivery and prominent profile within the community will be maintained.
I would also like to suggest that funding bodies work even closer with governance committees themselves, not only to ensure these standards are maintained but are further enhanced.
In finishing, I would like to thank everybody past and present with whom I have had the pleasure to work, including all the wonderful young people who have accessed our services over my tenure.
Visit Us In Miami
please call before visiting.
We are open Monday to Friday (exclusive of public holidays) from 9am to 5pm. Young people are welcome to access our free facilities from 9am to 3pm. Please check in on arrival to access our bathroom, kitchen, laundry, computer & clothing services.
Maria Leebeek
Chief Executive Officer
Matthew Clayworth
Management Committee
Steve Hackett
Management Committee
Erica Begelhole
Chairperson
Jill Moon
Management Committee
Jerusha Morris
Management Committe
Thanks to our funding bodies who continued support our service:
- Queensland Department of Communities, Housing & Digital Economy
- Queensland Department of Child Safety, Youth & Women
- Queensland Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors
- Commonwealth Department of Social Services
And the generous support of our sponsors, donors, and community members
Many thanks also to our sponsors, donors and generous community members.
Impact on the Community
0
Supported Individuals /Families
500
Young People Accessed Help
0
StreetCred Engagements
