An innovative new project aims to assist young people and families facing homelessness in Mount Alexander Shire, while also helping students develop skills and aspirations in the construction industry.
Created by Castlemaine Secondary College in partnership with Dhelkaya Health, HALT (Hope Assistance Local Tradies) and Goldfields Local Learning and Employment Network, the student-led ‘Caravan Fix Me Up’ project saw year 11 students from the school’s VM, VCAL and FLO programs work with local tradespeople and suppliers to renovate and restore a dilapidated caravan.
The caravan had previously been used by Dhelkaya Health for emergency accommodation for young people experiencing housing crisis and homelessness.
Over several months, students acquired new skills as they worked to restore the van to its former glory and fit it out with new appliances to provide a new resource to help tackle this priority issue.
CSC teacher Craig Adrians said it was wonderful to see their students so engaged with the project knowing it was going to support other young people in their community.
“They worked really hard and they are very proud of the final result,” he said.
The initiative was made possible thanks to Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Community Grants Program, which aims to support projects that align with council’s plans and strategies, and was unveiled during Homelessness Week (August 7 to 13).
Seventeen people are sleeping rough on any given night within the shire. Fifty-plus community members are couch surfing or staying with friends or family because they have no affordable secure housing, and 200-plus families are in housing crisis.
CSC principal Justin Hird said this project would help the homeless community by providing temporary accommodation to families in need.
“We’re proud of what our students have achieved and look forward to seeing them develop their skills in support of the community,” he said.
“We’re also thankful for the Community Grant and assistance of local tradespeople and suppliers who have committed to the project.”
Dhelkaya Health CEO Sue Race said homelessness had a deep and lasting impact on people’s health, both mental and physical.
“It affects every aspect of life, including education and employment opportunities, connection with community and ability to fully participate in society,” she said.
“This project will help many young people and their families each year, local people who’ve found themselves in difficult circumstances, to achieve stability.”
If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness – including experiencing domestic and family violence – you can call 5479 1000, or after hours 1800 825 955.
