A first-of-its-kind housing project in Frankston will provide much needed supported accommodation for First Nations youth leaving care

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                                                    19 July 2024

Frankston will be home to Australia’s first Village 21 supported accommodation project specifically designed to house young First Nations people who are transitioning from out-of-home care.

A first-of-its-kind housing project in Frankston will provide much needed supported accommodation for First Nations youth leaving care

Frankston will be home to Australia’s first Village 21 supported accommodation project specifically designed to house young First Nations people who are transitioning from out-of-home care.

The project, known as Moorumbina Mongurnallin which translates to ‘You are Loved’ in the local Bunurong language, will be home to six young First Nations people aged 18-21, and two live-in mentors.

The concept is designed to ensure a positive transition from care to independence, enabling the young residents every opportunity to fulfil their potential. Moorumbina Mongurnallin will allow Aboriginal young people who have been in out of home care to strengthen their relationships with community and build their connection to culture.

Created by youth homelessness prevention charity Kids Under Cover in partnership with Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA), the project is a response to the over-representation of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within Australia’s out-of-home care and homeless populations.

Victorian Housing Minister, Harriet Shing, will launch the project on Monday July 22. The project has been made possible by funding from the Victorian Government and a number of incredibly generous corporate, philanthropic and community supporters.

Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan visited the site last month.

“It really is a beautiful space and will make beautiful homes. Thanks to the leadership of Kids Under Cover and VACCA for joining together. This is a great partnership that’s going to deliver some great outcomes for young people here in the Frankston community,” she said.

Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing says the initiative offers stability and essential support:

“We are thankful to Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency and Kids Under Cover, for championing culturally informed tailored housing services such as Village 21. Moorrumbina Mongurnallin is a step to fostering resilience and wellbeing for young people in need.”

Kids Under Cover CEO Stephen Nash described the project as an exciting opportunity.

“It’s so wonderful to see the Victorian Government and many corporate partners, philanthropy and donors invest in expanding the Village 21 model.  We are very excited to extend our partnership with VACCA to this first of a kind model for Aboriginal young people.  It is a beautiful space where young people can live and learn with stability and support from VACCA – a real opportunity to fulfil their potential. I can’t wait to watch this village come to life,” he said.

Project details:

Moorumbina Mongurnallin is a new Village 21 housing project based in Frankston, created in partnership by Kids Under Cover and VACCA.

The six occupants of Moorumbina Mongurnallin will be supported by two live-in mentors and a Key Practitioner who will provide guidance on essential living skills, their education and employment aspirations and long-term housing prospects and empower each resident to successfully transition to independent living.

The design of the Moorumbina Mongurnallin village site was informed by consultation arranged by VACCA with particular attention paid to local Elders and young First Nations people. This ensured cultural perspectives, insights and protocols are embedded throughout the design and delivery of services for the young adults who will call Moorumbina Mongurnallin home.

The name ‘Moorumbina Mongurnallin,’ was proposed by a young person during the consultation process.

The project has been made possible with support from and collaboration with various stakeholders including the Victorian Government (Homes Victoria, the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing) as well as generous contributions from a wide range of corporate partners, philanthropic supporters and major donors. NH Architecture, JB Hi-Fi, Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Harris HMC have been significant in their contribution to the project.

The Village 21 concept was initially created by Kids Under Cover and Anglicare Victoria, with the first project in Preston continuing to operate with great success for over 3 years.

Launch event details:

The official launch of Kids Under Cover and VACCA’s Village 21 site, Moorumbina Mongurnallin, will take place on Monday July 22 at 9:30am at Frankston, Victoria.

The event will be attended by key partner VACCA, Victorian Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing, representatives from Homes Victoria, local Bunurong Elders, local MPs and a number of key supporters, dignitaries and corporate donors.

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