A huge thank you to Community Bank - Lindfield and Districts for choosing Streetwork as one of the deserving organizations to receive a grant during your fantastic 21st Birthday celebrations! 🎉 Your dedication to supporting community programs is truly inspiring! 💚
We’re excited to share that this grant will help vulnerable young people who have faced challenges with the youth justice system. It will provide them with opportunities for positive role models and practical support in areas like school, work, mental health counseling, and substance abuse assistance. With Streetwork's social return on investment (SROI), this grant will create over $240,000 in community benefits!
On behalf of the young people we support, thank you for helping them turn their lives around!
#turningyounglivesaround together
#communitybank
#communitysupport
#youthempowerment
Streetwork is celebrating 45 years!
This October, Glam N Grunge returns and we'd love you to celebrate with us!
🙌 SAVE THE DATE - Friday 17th, October 2025
💙 Share and tag your friends.
💙 If you'd love to become a sponsor or contribute an auction prize, please reach out to our team.
🙏 We'd love your help to make this year bigger than ever and help even more of our vulnerable young people access support to turn their lives around. Stay tuned for more details!
#turningyounglivesaround
#communitysupport
#empoweringyoungpeople
#charityfundraiser
Ku-ring-gai council youth forum
This week, our Streetwork youth services team had an amazing time at the Ku-ring-gai council youth forum!
🎉 We were joined by around 100 student representatives from 5 local schools, all eager to share what matters most to young people today. Our team took this opportunity to connect with these bright minds and update them on our various early intervention programs to support young individuals facing tough times.
Together, we can make a difference! Let's empower vulnerable young people by connecting them with the specialist services they need to thrive. 💪❤️
#turningyounglivesaround together
#YouthEmpowerment #SupportYouth #CommunityEngagement #kuringgaicouncil #youthforum #youngpeoplematter
Change Your Course Empowerment program 2025 approved
Last week, the Honorable Mark Dreyfus KC MP, Attorney General of Australia, announced a fantastic funding boost of $28.3 million from the Australian Government supporting vulnerable young people. This incredible investment will support 35 organisations across the country through the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), aimed at supporting at-risk youth. This initiative is a game-changer, providing vulnerable children and young individuals with the vital support, skills, and opportunities for a bright and rewarding future!
We are thrilled to share that the StreetWork application for the Change Your Course Empowerment program has officially been approved! We can’t wait to collaborate with our fantastic youth service partners (Burdekin Association, Youth Up Front, KYDS and Calothic Care) to support high-risk, vulnerable young people. This funding is a testament to the teamwork between StreetWork as the lead agency and our youth service partner, implementing a proactive early intervention and prevention strategy to help those at risk of entering the youth justice system.
StreetWork would also like to thank many local Federal and State government members, local councils, and community supporters for their letters of support, which were key to our successful grant application. Together, we are making a difference in empowering young people in the Northern Sydney Region - supporting them to reach their dreams and transform their lives.
Link to media release - Youth Empowerment grants to strengthen community safety
#turningyounglivesaround together
#youthempowermentprogram
#empowering
#earlyintervention
#communitysupport
🏃♀️ Manly Fun Run & Walk Sunday April 6th 2025
Join us on Sunday, 6th April for the Manly Rotary Fun Run & Walk and help support Streetwork while getting active for a great cause!
Every dollar in entry fees is directed to charities that need it most—including Streetwork and the young people across the Northern Beaches that we support
Thank you Rotary Club of Manly for supporting us
Register now and get your ticket: https://www.manlyfunrun.org/ and please don’t forget to chose Streetwork as your charity!
#ManlyFunRun
Youth Week 9-17 April 2025
The NSW Governments banner for 2025 Youth Week is : “We are the future, and the future is now!”
What is your strength?
Celebrating International Women's Day 2025
🎉 Happy International Women’s Day!! 🎉
This year, we're supercharged with the theme 'Accelerate Action' for gender equality! 🚀💪
Just yesterday, our incredible StreetWork team had an amazing time at the #IWD2025 event hosted by Ku-ring-gai Council! We were thrilled to hear from the phenomenal ABC broadcaster and author, Juanita Phillips, who shared her inspiring journey as a female journalist breaking down barriers of inequality! 🌟✨
Juanita reminded us that we must all stand vigilant and safeguard the achievements of the strong women who paved the way for us. Let’s make it even easier for the next generation of women to rise and shine! 🌈💖
#IWD2025 highlights the importance of taking bold and swift steps toward achieving gender equality. Let’s keep the momentum going and tackle those systemic barriers and biases that women face every day in every sphere!
Let’s hashtag#AccelerateAction together and inspire inclusion! 💥💜
#acclerateaction
#InspireInclusion
#equality
#IWD2025
#kuringgaicouncil
#streetwork
#youngwomen
#turningyounglivesaround together
LOCAL TEAM MEMBER - RAISING AWARENESS AND FUNDS - STREETWORK
Our three local community based volunteer teams (Lower North Shore, Upper North Shore & Northern Beaches) meet monthly to coordinate activities and you'll also have one or two conversations with potential supporters each month.
We are looking for well connected and active locals who ...
want to have a direct impact on the plight of local vulnerable young people
want to work with a local organisation that's been successfully helping vulnerable young people on the North Shore for 45 years
want to play a regular role in a local team and serve their community over a long period (> 6 months)
have strong local networks and the ability to successfully leverage those connections to build our supporter base
are able to advocate for vulnerable young people and the services that Streetwork provides in the local community
Please note there is no opportunity with this role to work with the vulnerable young people we support. If you would like to provide direct support look out for our volunteer overnight advocate opportunities.
Apply via the Go Volunteer LINK - or fill in the application below
The Insight Centre Report Launch: Prevention is the cure
On Friday 31 January 2025, we proudly launched a groundbreaking new Insight Centre report entitled, “Prevention is the cure: Early intervention is the key to combatting our youth crisis” in collaboration with the Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Water, Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Youth, and Minister for the North Coast.
This report delivers a stark analysis of the escalating youth justice and wellbeing crisis gripping NSW, revealing the urgent need for greater investment in early intervention programs to break cycles of crime, mental health struggles, and social disengagement among young people.
Streetwork CEO, Helen Banu said "By commissioning this report, our hope is that governments at all levels have the evidence they need to rethink how we invest in youth justice, and to direct greater resources to the preventative programs we know work"
The media release can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/akiu1wekpdb55ubnp2xzp/Media-Release-Streetwork-Social-Research-Launch-Prevention-is-the-Cure-February-2025.pdf?rlkey=z7p589qndet9rw30w9sa23zxc&st=j35ozzwv&dl=0
Read the full report here: Social Research Report — Streetwork
NSW Youth Week 2024 is 11-21 April The theme this year is Express. Empower. Get Loud!
Northern Beaches Council has a great program celebrating Youth Week. Refer to Councils website for the program.
Youth Week is an annual celebration of young people held in early April around the school holidays.
Council and local youth services put on a range of programs, events and activities to cater to a wide demographic of interests expressed by our local young people during this time. The program of events involves young people in all aspects, including the planning, development and management of activities. It aims to cater to a diverse range of interests, through large scale events to small workshops and niche activations.
If you’re aged between 12-24, Youth Week is an opportunity to:
• share your ideas
• attend events
• have your voice heard on issues of concern
• showcase your talents
• celebrate your contribution to the community
• take part in various competitions and programs
• have fun!
Hills Youth Fall Festival 2024
Next date: Thursday, 18 April 2024 | 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM
An opportunity for young people to come together and enjoy a fun and entertaining atmosphere while also raising awareness on an important issue of youth homelessness.
Join this FREE festival with:
Dj
Music & dance performances
A range of fun free activities
Free food trucks and drinks
Free activity stalls
Outdoor gym
Photobooth
Airbrush tattoos
Markets by young entrepreneurs
Lawn bowls
Mini golf
Art Display
Prizes to be won
and more!
This event is for 12 - 25 year-olds.
This event is drug and alcohol free.
Grab your friends and register today!
When
Thursday, 18 April 2024 | 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Location
Castle Hill Showground, Doran Drive, Castle Hill, 2154
Mosman Council Autumn School Holiday Events 2024
Bushfood Cooking WEdnesday April 17th
Indulge in the taste of Australia's native bush foods at our Bushfood Cooking Workshop with Koori Kinnections! Join us from 12 - 2pm for this hands-on culinary experience. Roll up your sleeves, connect with indigenous traditions, and savour the delicious results of your efforts. Lunch will be provided & Registration is a must! Don't miss out on this cultural and flavourful adventure.
This holiday program is for high school aged young people & those in year 6 only.
Mosman Youth Services is a safe and inclusive space for young people. If you have accessibility requirements or questions about this program then please don't hesitate to get in touch at youth@mosman.nsw.gov.au
Mosman Youth Services is dedicated to operating an inclusive and safe space.
Mosman Council is committed to creating safer communities for children and young people.
Registration required.
Find the details for school holiday activities in Mosman, including at Barry O’Keefe Library, Mosman Art Gallery and the Youth Centre.
Creative Writing with Jacqueline Harvey - Ages 13-15 Thursday April 18th.
Join award winning author Jacqueline Harvey and get inspired to start writing! From gathering ideas, to creating great characters and believable storylines, Jacqueline will give her best tips and tricks for creative writing. Children will have a chance to start writing and then share their ideas. Book sales and signings to follow the event.
Free event | This session is for children ages 13-15 years old | Bookings essential
Mosman Council is committed to creating safer communities for children and young people.
Multisports Day Monday 22 April 2024
12.00pm - 2.00pm
Mosman Youth Centre
30 The Crescent, Mosman
Get ready for an action-packed day at Multisports Day! Led by expert coaches, this program promises a day filled with teamwork, skill-building, and loads of fun. Remember to bring a hat and water bottle – sunscreen will be provided. Don't miss out!
This holiday program is for high school aged young people & those in year 6 only.
Mosman Youth Services is a safe and inclusive space for young people. If you have accessibility requirements or questions about this program then please don't hesitate to get in touch at youth@mosman.nsw.gov.au
Mosman Youth Services is dedicated to operating an inclusive and safe space.
Mosman Council is committed to creating safer communities for children and young people.
Registration required.
Pizza & Movie Afternoon Friday 26 April
Enjoy a pizza lunch from 1pm before we get stuck into a double feature (voted on by attendees) + popcorn in the hub space. Get cosy, pull up a beanbag & relax with a chill afternoon of movies on our big ProWise Screen! Popcorn & pizza will be provided, free of charge. Please register so we can take note of your pizza preference and cater accordingly.
This holiday program is for high school aged young people & those in year 6 only.
Mosman Youth Services is a safe and inclusive space for young people. If you have accessibility requirements or questions about this program then please don't hesitate to get in touch at youth@mosman.nsw.gov.au
Mosman Youth Services is dedicated to operating an inclusive and safe space.
Mosman Council is committed to creating safer communities for children and young people.
Registration required.
When
Friday 26 April 2024
1.00pm - 4.45pm
Where
Mosman Youth Centre
30 The Crescent, Mosman
Streetwork on the front foot at the Manly Rotary Fun Run 2024
Our team of dedicated volunteers joined well over a 1,000 runners at the Manly Rotary Fun Run on the weekend. Many ran the challenging course around North Head, whilst others prepared a very welcome sausage sandwich for the runners and their supporters at the finish line.
Streetwork was extremely proud to be one of the profiled charities at this wonderful community event. The awareness and funds raised greatly help the work of our youth case workers in their support of vulnerable young people across the Northern Beaches and beyond.
'We would like to thank the Rotary Club of Manly for their continued support of local charities. The event was a great success, showcasing community spirit in a stunning setting. Congratulations to all the runners and sincere thanks to our amazing volunteers'. Philip Loveday, co-Chair of the Northern Beaches Local Board.
#turningyounglivesaround with #rotaryclubofManly
SHORE BOARDERS STEP OUT FOR CHARITY
Last Sunday saw around 30 Hodges House boarders stepping up to the challenge of a 30km walk from SHORE to the Manly foreshore, raising over $7k for Streetwork through their annual ‘walk for charity’.
Neither the distance or the heat proved to be too much of a problem for the boys, who even turned the last 3km into a mini sprint home as they vied for bragging rights as to the first to reach Manly wharf.
Accompanied and supported by a handful of parents and teachers, including Housemaster Rod Fitch and Head of Service Learning Huw Blood, the boys completed the journey in good spirits and with a keen understanding of the cause they were raising money for. Streetwork’s GM Strategic Partnerships, Nige Cottingham, enthused: ‘I’d been fortunate enough to meet the boys a few weeks prior, to talk to them about the work we undertake at Streetwork towards turning the lives of Sydney’s vulnerable young people around. There was a natural inquisitiveness from the boys and a great team spirit when embarking on the walk itself.’
‘This is not just about the money they raised – which is a huge lift for our charity – but the knowledge that there is now another corner of Sydney that has an informed sense of the challenges being faced by vulnerable young people who are being let down by the very system that should be supporting them and keeping them safe.’
The money raised by Hodges House comes as a well-received follow-up to receipt of a similar amount raised through the inaugural Schools for Impact opportunity hosted by SHORE in November last year.
Drop in and Draw at Manly
Join Headspace Brookvale & KALOF for a free guided art session in the Creative Library.
Ages 12 - 25 years old.
All materials are provided including posca pens & art paper. No prior drawing experience required.
Light nibbles will be provided.
Limited spaces, bookings recommended.
To register your spot email headspacebrookvale@newhorizons.org.au or call 9937 6500.
Pricing
Free
Bookings recommended.
Location
Manly Library, 1 Market Place
Manly NSW 2095
E-bike essentials: A parent's guide to safe riding Northern Beaches Council Advise
Christmas is weeks away and we’re guessing that Santa will be squeezing e-bikes down many chimneys for Northern Beaches teenagers this year.
Navigating a new world with an e-bike or other e-mobility devices under your roof can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to ensuring your child’s behaviour on a bike remains safe and legal.
We’ve prepared this guide to help you get the facts on what is legal and sensible, and tips to help you guide your kids to keep them and everyone else safe on local roads and shared paths.
1. Helmets are non-negotiable!
Helmets are not just a good idea, they are a legal requirement for all bicycle riders, including those on e-bikes. Like them or not, kids and adults need to wear them. Learn more about helmets.
2. What’s legal, and what’s not
In NSW, all e-mobility devices except e-bikes are restricted to private property only. This means e-scooters, hoverboards and other e-mobility devices can’t be legally ridden on the road or footpath. Breaking this rule can lead to a hefty fine of $723.
3. Know your e-bike speed limits and keep them legal
E-bikes are a fantastic way to get around but tweaking them to exceed the 25km/hr speed limit without pedalling makes them illegal. Doing so could land you and your child with a $723 fine for riding an unregistered device, and potentially an additional infringement for riding a vehicle without a license.
Bike shops might not always disclose this information, so make sure you know what the e-bike is set to and if your child or anyone else, has tampered with it.
4. Ding-ding! All bicycles need a bell
Ensure your child's bike is equipped with a bell. It's a small but essential safety feature that can prevent collisions and help alert pedestrians and other cyclists of their presence.
5. Pedestrians first: Etiquette on shared paths
Teach your child to slow down, ring their bell when approaching pedestrians, and give way courteously. Overtaking should be avoided or done slowly and cautiously.
6. Safe speeds in public spaces
Kids don’t all understand what ‘safe speed’ means. Emphasise to them the importance of responsible speed, especially in crowded areas like shopping districts. Pedestrians may unexpectedly step onto a path, and maintaining a safe speed can prevent accidents and promote a safer environment for everyone.
7. Liability and insurance: Prepare for the unexpected
In the event of an accident, did you know that you as a parent may be held responsible for your child’s behaviour on an e-bike or other device?
Consider looking into bicycle insurance to protect against potential liability issues. And note, insurance is void for illegal devices, so ensure your family’s e-bike is in compliance with regulations, and that no-one is riding other illegal devices in public spaces.
8. Inducting your child to the road and shared paths
This may sound crazy, but we recommend you implement an induction process for your child, teaching them the etiquette of sharing roads and paths with other users. This could help them understand traffic rules, develop respect for pedestrians, and become aware of their surroundings.
Car maintenance workshop supported by Ku-ring-gai Youth events
Join us for a comprehensive car maintenance workshop where you will gain practical skills and essential knowledge that you can apply to keep your car running smoothly and safely. This workshop is open to all young people aged 12-24 of all genders and abilities.
Whether you're passionate about car maintenance or looking to enhance your automotive skills, our expert instructors from Galmatic will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to address your vehicle's basic maintenance requirements, promptly and effectively.
Includes:
Hands-on experience changing a tyre.
Understanding why tyre pressure and tread are so important and how to check both.
Learning what, when, and how to check the engine for optimal performance and safety.
Checking your car's oil, coolant, fluids, battery, and hoses to ensure they're in top-notch condition and functioning correctly. cost $30.00 for ages 14-24
Contact
Ku-ring-gai Youth events
Sign up today and develop the expertise and confidence to maintain your vehicle safely and efficiently.
When
Thursday, 11 January 2024 | 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Thursday, 18 January 2024 | 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Location
St Ives Community Centre, Memorial Avenue, St Ives, 2075
Barista and job-ready workshop supported by Ku-ring-gai Youth events
The workshop is comprised of two sections:
Darcy Street Project
10am - 1pm
Gain practical, hands-on experience making espresso coffees, learn the art of milk texturing, the history and development of coffee and enjoy service experience in a relaxed environment. This is a great introduction workshop that will assist young people in gaining an entry job in a cafe and hospitality work. Cost $70.00 age group 14-24
Contact
Ku-ring-gai Youth events
Lunch: Provided
1pm-1.30pm
Skills for job applications
1.30 - 3pm
Apply your newly acquired barista skills into a winning resume and job interview manner. Learn industry tips and tricks about building an effective resume and how to navigate your first job interview.
When
Tuesday, 09 January 2024 | 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Wednesday, 10 January 2024 | 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Tuesday, 16 January 2024 | 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 | 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Location
Gordon Youth Hub, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon, 2072,
Let's go surfing with Ku-ring-gai Youth events
If you're ready to catch some waves and experience the thrill of surfing, look no further than our surf lesson workshop at Manly Beach. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to improve your skills, the experienced instructors at Manly Surf School will guide you through the basics of surfing, including paddling, balance and standing up on the board. cost $75.00 for 12-24 years
Contact
Ku-ring-gai Youth events
Transport will be provided to and from Manly Beach.
12pm: Meet at St Ives Community Centre
12.15pm: Leave for transportation to Manly Beach
1.30pm-3pm: Surf lesson
3pm-3.30pm: Free-time
3.30pm: Leave for transportation to St Ives Community Centre
Registration required.
When
Tuesday, 23 January 2024 | 12:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Location
St Ives Community Centre, Memorial Avenue, St Ives, 2075,
WENONA AMNESTY SLEEPOUT
Shining a light on youth homelessness, this year’s Wenona School ‘Amnesty Sleepout’ saw over 60 Wenona students sleeping on pieces of cardboard in the school’s gym for a one-night sleepout. Against a general theme of ‘service learning’, Streetwork were one of 3 or 4 charities on hand to also give the students a first-hand experience of some of the daily outreach activities we engage in to build trust in our relationships with the young people we support. Graffiti-writing and songwriting activities were interspersed with some key learnings about how Streetwork goes about turning young lives around. Many of the young people we work with have experienced or are enduring homelessness themselves, so it was fitting that monies raised by the event went directly to Taldumande Youth Services, one of many Sydney-based agencies that support vulnerable and homeless children and young people aged 12 to 24 years, and their families.
Citing growing incidents of family breakdown, domestic violence and substance abuse, Taldumande’s Nikki Thomas spoke about the high demand for their services stating that: ‘youth homelessness is often less visible than adult homelessness, because young people will often couch surf until alternative beds are available.’