The Bridge Youth Service has entered an exciting new chapter, preparing to open the doors to its long-awaited purpose-designed premises at 25–27 St Georges Rd, Shepparton, and unveiling a name that truly reflects the breadth of its work: The Bridge Youth + Family Services.

Chief Executive Officer Melinda Lawley said the updated name did not mark a change in direction, but rather a clearer reflection of the work The Bridge had always done.

“Our new name acknowledges what has long been true — that while our focus is and always will be on young people, we also work closely with their families, parents and carers,” Ms Lawley said.

“We support young mums, we walk alongside parents, and we know that families play a vital role in the wellbeing of young people.

“The Bridge Youth + Family Services tells the community what we have been doing all along — keeping young people at the centre, while embracing the important connections around them.”

The new St Georges Rd facility, customised for service delivery, ensures greater accessibility and purpose-built spaces for programs that range from antenatal and young parents’ groups to the I’m Here program for primary school children, and Family Foundations for new parents of any age.

“We want the community to know that The Bridge hasn’t changed its focus — we are still youth-first. What has changed is that our name now proudly reflects the families we have always supported alongside them,” Ms Lawley said.

Since 1995, The Bridge has been a cornerstone of support across the Goulburn Valley and beyond, offering housing, mental health, education and parenting programs for young people and their families.

The move to the larger, fit-for-purpose St Georges Rd premises strengthens the organisation’s ability to deliver these services in Shepparton, while continuing its work in the Mitchell and Murrindindi shires via the Wallan and Seymour offices.