I rise to inform the house about the wonderful work of Anglicare Victoria and Whitelion in Werribee. I was delighted to recently visit the City of Wyndham’s Youth Resource Centre with Whitelion and see the impact of its work. Whitelion is dedicated to providing support and mentoring as well as providing the basics, such as food, hygiene and housing, to disadvantaged young people in Wyndham. It is a sad reality that over a quarter of homeless people are aged below 18, leaving them uniquely vulnerable to long-term poverty. Communities need organisations like Whitelion to work with government in realising the potential of our young people and giving them opportunities to develop. This work is invaluable, and I am proud to be an ambassador of Whitelion.

It was a pleasure to also visit The Garage, which is a youth drop-in centre supported by Anglicare Victoria and its wonderful volunteers. I was pleased to open its coffee training program, which will provide skills training and work experience to disadvantaged youth in Wyndham. Equally importantly, The Garage also provides a welcoming and safe place for young people to socialise and discuss issues they may be facing.

Navigating the challenges of growing up can be difficult. It is important that our young people are provided with support and guidance to manage this period appropriately. These organisations are recognised and celebrated for the difference that they can and do make to my community.