Build Up Tassie receives $12 million to support the vulnerable
By Veronika Cox
A social impact investment of up to $12 million will enable the Build Up Tassie program to expand and support more young and vulnerable people and their families, Centacare Evolve Housing Executive General Manager Belinda Clarke has said.
The investment – the first of its kind in Tasmania – includes a State Government commitment of $4 million, along with a further $2 million each from St Joseph Affordable Homes and Centacare Evolve Housing.
The organisation is currently working closely with the Federal Government to secure an additional $4 million, bringing the total to $12 million.
The social impact investment will be delivered over six years across Tasmania.
“Build Up Tassie Manager Adrian Broomhall and myself were invited to attend a round table presentation about projects in Tasmania that were making a real difference in employment outcomes for young Tasmanians experiencing barriers to employment and disadvantage,” Ms Clarke explained.
“A concept of scaling Build Up Tassie to modular housing projects and state-wide initiatives was presented to Premier Jeremy Rockcliffe and Minister for Housing Guy Barnett in February.
“The Premier was very supportive of the initiative, and it was included in the budget for 2024.”
Ms Clarke said the investment was a testament to all the people and partners who had been part of the Build Up Tassie journey since it began in 2017.
“The whole Build Up Tassie team with Centacare Evolve Housing and St Joseph Affordable Homes are overwhelmed and delighted to receive the social impact investment, in particular as it will enable the program to expand to support other cohorts of young people and their families to thrive,” she said.
“Build Up Tassie provides a unique solution to overcoming complex issues of unemployment and disadvantage and most importantly helps young people to thrive and reach their aspirations.”
The proposal aims to help solve a range of complex problems including youth unemployment, workforce shortages, youth housing stress, engagement with youth justice system, overreliance on the health system and stress on national disability insurance scheme.
Outcomes include 324 young people joining the Build Up Tassie pre-employment program, 65 apprenticeships with St Joseph Affordable Homes Modular construction, 100 additional youth employment outcomes including apprenticeships and the employment of 12 Build Up Tassie coaches.
Ms Clarke said Build Up Tassie had generated a strong evidence base over its five years of delivery.
“It is particularly successful at attaining and sustaining jobs in building and construction, including apprenticeships for the young males and females who have complex disadvantage and who have been disengaged from employment and education, experience homelessness and those who have experiences with the youth justice system,” she said.