Opening of Blacktown Marist Youth Care Head Office

Senator Ursula Stephens, today opened the new Head Office for Marist Youth Care in Blacktown, New South Wales.

Senator Stephens said Marist Youth Care helps people stabilise their lives, find suitable accommodation, overcome personal barriers and move into education, training or employment.

“For more than 100 years Marist Youth Care has been caring for young people at risk of social exclusion and their families”, Senator Stephens said.

“Marist Youth Care’s integrated, holistic approach supports young people to overcome the barriers they face to living a meaningful and satisfying life.

“Their success is a good example of what can be achieved when we take a person-centred approach to addressing disadvantage and social exclusion.”

Senator Stephens said the Australian Government shares Marist Youth Care’s commitment to helping young people live their lives to the full.

“We are developing a National Strategy for Young Australians, which is about recognising the importance of young people in our society, whilst at the same time identifying those who need support to be able to make their unique contribution.

“We are also launching a new Youth Connections service in January next year, which will deliver a more integrated range of assistance to young people at risk of disconnecting from school,” Senator Stephens said.

Senator Stephens reflected on the shared aspiration of Marish Youth Centre and the government to ensure young people at risk fulfil their potential, and congratulated the centre on the real difference it has made in the lives of vulnerable young Australians.

More information about the Australian Government’s social inclusion agenda (www.socialinclusion.gov.au).