Golden Mile Youth Hostel, Kalgoorlie to receive increase in funding

12/11/96

The Golden Mile Youth Hostel in Kalgoorlie will receive an increase in funding, Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes and Federal Family Services Minister Judi Moylan announced today.

Mrs Edwardes said funding for the service would increase from $159,068 to $188,228 a year until June 30, 1998 in recognition of the vital service it provided to local communities.

The Golden Mile Youth Hostel provided crisis accommodation and support for up to 24 young males, between the ages of 15 and 24, at a time.

The service was funded through the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP), a joint State and Commonwealth Government program which provided more than 100 accommodation and support services for homeless people throughout Western Australia.

"It is vital that young people without homes have access to safe, secure accommodation and services so they can work through their crisis," Mrs Edwardes said.

"It is also important to help them develop skills that will help them re-establish their lives after the crisis.

"This service helps young people without homes learn to look at their situation and make informed decisions and choices about the future."

Mrs Moylan said the hostel provided a valuable service for young men in crisis in the Kalgoorlie area.

"It is very important for young people without homes to develop skills and knowledge which will help them avoid finding themselves in a similar situation in the future," Mrs Moylan said.

"This agreement demonstrates the Commonwealth and State Governments' commitment to strengthening families and providing support for homeless people of all ages."

Media contacts: Diana Russell Coote (Minister Edwardes' Office) 09 421 7777 Martine Haley (Minister Moylan's Office) 06 277 7240