This is an exciting step towards our Bunbury team’s move into Foodbank WA’s purpose built space, co-locating alongside the Financial Wellbeing Collective.
The new facility will bring together food relief, youth mental health services, and financial counselling – all under one roof – to provide much-needed support for families in the region.
Across the South West food security is increasing, and demand for food relief services continues to grow as cost-of-living pressures hit hard. The new location will offer dignity and choice for customers, reducing stigma and offering easy pathways to access wrap-around services. Its approach is practical and people-focused, reflecting the values of Youth Focus, Foodbank WA, and the Financial Wellbeing Collective. The creation of the community hub is an example of collaboration between the Government, Lotterywest, Department of Communities’ and Foodbank WA.
For us, this co-location highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing the growing community needs, particularly for young people in the area. Alongside the challenges of food and financial insecurity, the demand for accessible youth mental health services in the region continues to grow. This partnership offers a step towards reducing barriers to accessing the support that young people need, encouraging help-seeking, and early intervention. Through this collaboration, those seeking food relief or financial support will also have access to timely mental health services, and young people engaging with mental health support can be connected to other services in turn.
We welcomed the opportunity to participate and contribute throughout the planning stages, including location discussions and community consultation sessions. Young people in the area often struggle to access support due to the challenges of living in a regional town. The hub will be easily accessible by public transport and is situated near new and developing community and commercial spaces where young people and their support networks live and navigate their lives. It’s close proximity to the Dalyellup Multipurpose Community and Youth Centre will allow us to engage with young people in the community, increasing awareness of services available.
We look forward to the opportunities that this co-location will create, expanding our connection with young people, service providers, and the communities in Bunbury and the surrounding regions. By co-locating these services and working together, young people have access to practical help to support them through tough times
