The Bridge Youth Service hosted an open day for stakeholders at The Nest: Solid Foundations, a unique and much-needed response to the growing crisis of youth homelessness in the Goulburn Valley.

The event, held on Monday, February 24, at the newly completed site, welcomed about 60 invited guests who toured the three new independent units designed to provide safe, stable housing for three vulnerable young mothers and their children.

Attendees enjoyed morning tea while hearing from key leaders who helped bring The Nest to life: Melinda Lawley, CEO of The Bridge Youth Service; Kate Mills, CEO of the Property Industry Foundation; and Roberta Buchanan, CEO of Women’s Property Initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Ms Lawley reflected on The Bridge Youth Service’s long-standing commitment to supporting young people, particularly those at risk of homelessness.

“The idea of purchasing land and raising funds to build much-needed accommodation for young mothers experiencing homelessness was born in 2020. Not the ideal year to embark on a building project, but here we are, five years later, celebrating the establishment of The Nest: Solid Foundations,” she said.

“This project is about more than just housing — it’s about stability, opportunity, and breaking the cycle of disadvantage. We know that if a young mother has a safe and supportive environment, she has a far greater chance of completing her education, gaining employment, and creating a secure future for her child. The Nest ensures that young mums can focus on parenting, personal growth, and building a strong foundation for the future.”

The Nest is the result of a powerful collaboration between The Bridge Youth Service, Women’s Property Initiatives (WPI), and the Property Industry Foundation (The Foundation). These partnerships brought together expertise in youth services, social housing, and industry-backed fundraising to transform a vision into reality.

Women’s Property Initiatives, the project’s developer and long-term property manager, played a crucial role in securing funding and coordinating the build. Ms Buchanan emphasised the importance of providing young women with safe and secure housing.

“We all share a deep commitment to supporting young women in need. The Nest ensures that these mothers can access not just a home, but a network of support to help them move forward with their lives,” she said.

The Property Industry Foundation brought together industry partners to provide financial and in-kind support. Ms Mills acknowledged the generosity of funders and volunteers who made the project possible.

“This is a true testament to what can happen when industries, charities, and communities come together,” she said.

“From fundraising to hands-on contributions from builders, landscapers, and suppliers, so many people have helped create this incredible space. The impact of The Nest will be felt for generations to come.”

The Nest goes beyond providing shelter — it’s an early intervention model designed to break cycles of disadvantage and create lasting change.

The young mothers who live at The Nest will have access to The Bridge Youth Service’s wraparound support program, Solid Foundations, which includes:

• Parenting and life skills development;
• Education and employment support;
• Budgeting and tenancy skills; and
• Emotional literacy and mental health support.

Each resident will have up to three years in the program before transitioning to independent living, making space for the next young mothers in need.

“The Nest means three young mums won’t be experiencing homelessness. Three children won’t be growing up in unstable housing. And three more Bridge Youth Service workers won’t have to search for safe, affordable housing in an impossible rental market,” Ms Lawley said.

The Nest is a project born out of a desire to create a lasting impact — a goal set in motion when The Bridge Youth Service used funds from its former Revamp Op Shop to purchase the land.

With the support of generous donors, industry leaders, and community champions, that investment has transformed into a tangible, life-changing opportunity for young families in Shepparton.

“This is just the beginning,” Ms Lawley said. “The Nest is a model we can build upon, proving that when communities come together, we can create real, lasting change for young people.”