Bunbury youth facility gets upgrade

A new six-bedroom youth crisis accommodation facility has opened its doors in Bunbury after being officially launched by Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk.

AccordWest has fully funded and built the new Bunyap House, after identifying a need to update the older facility, which opened in 1983.

The new facility includes caretaker accommodation while a $27,565 Lotterywest grant enabled the purchase of furniture and electrical fittings.

AccordWest chief executive officer Neil Hamilton said Bunyap House provided accommodation and support for children aged 16-19 who were unable to be at home with their family.

“Being part of the solution at times requires community organisations to take courageous steps,” Mr Hamilton said.

“AccordWest saw a need and stepped forward to make it happen.

“In this case, investing in building the new Bunyap and seeking to provide wraparound services for homeless young people to re-engage with their future.”

Each resident has an individual case worker who tries to reconnect them with their family where appropriate and works with them towards employment, training and developing life skills such as learning how to budget and cook.

Ms McGurk said AccordWest had shown incredible commitment to build Bunyap House.

“I would not only like to say thank you, but also congratulate them for providing a range of important services that support vulnerable young people in the South West,” she said.

Bunbury MLA Don Punch said providing a safe and secure environment for vulnerable, young people was vital for their long-term wellbeing.