About Us

Meet The GCYS

Gold Coast Youth Service

Operating on the Gold Coast since 1980, Gold Coast Youth Service is a not for profit, specialist youth support & homelessness organisation. We help all young people and their families in the Gold Coast Region who may be marginalised, disadvantaged or homeless.
Our professional and passionate team is governed by a Committee of Management, who is committed to breaking the cycle of social disadvantage on the Gold Coast. Together we provide a range of services and activities to support our young people towards self-awareness, acceptance, independence and a successful future.
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Maria Leebeek

Chief Executive Officer

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Matthew Clayworth

Management Committee

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Steve Hackett

Management Committee

Allan Finn
Allan Finn

Management Committee

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Susie Boyer

Management Committee

Our History

The Story of GCYS

Gold Coast Youth Service was formed at a public meeting in February 1980 after two Social Work graduates spent two months living in their cars and conducting a survey as to the need for such a service on the Gold Coast.

Originally the main focus of the agency was a street work program of five nights per week. The workers operated from one small room in Surfers Paradise and worked at a hectic pace. In 1989, after receiving a grant from Jupiter’s Casino Community Benefit Trust, GCYS was able to purchase premises in Oak Ave in Miami, in which we still operate today.

How Have We Helped?

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.

Our Vision, Mission & Values

Our Vision

Young People are valued, connected, hopeful about their future and supported to realise their potential.

Our Mission

To be a leading non-profit organisation that supports people on the Gold Coast experiencing homelessness and/or disadvantage to make positive and long-lasting changes.

Our Values

Rights                                                 Choice

Diversity                                              Collaboration

Participation                                      Opportunity

Respect and Dignity                        Integrity

Connection to Community            Equality and equity

Get In Touch

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YASS Referral

Emergency Relief Program

There are many reasons why an individual or family could suddenly find themselves in financial crises. GCYS may be able to help.

If you are struggling with unmanageable debts, it’s important you act quickly – the first step in taking control of the situation is to ask for help.

Visit our Need More page and click on Financial Assistance for an additional list of services that can provide material aid, advice and support to help you manage your debts and get you back on track.

The Emergency Relief program provides financial and/or material support to meet the immediate need of people in financial crises. The program is open to all age groups.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, the GCYS will continue to provide services however, we are asking people to make safe choices to help stop possible transmission. Therefore we are asking people not to come into the service and to call us instead where possible.