Brisbane charity, TRACTION has unveiled its newly refurbished Yeerongpilly facility. Until now, TRACTION has not had their own space to support kids in Brisbane and it was thanks to the support of local businesses who provided time and supplies gratis, that the facility could come to life.
Over the next 12 months, this upgraded space will host over 72 youth in TRACTION’s term-based programs, and more than 36 through 1-day workshops. Many of the youth will be facing significant challenges, including disengagement from school, bullying or social exclusion and mental health concerns. This is where TRACTION comes in to provide a safe, inclusive, action-based environment where vulnerable youth build self-esteem, find a sense of belonging, discover their potential and empowering them to create their own future.
Wiley, the Project Delivery Company, which is headquartered in Woolloongabba, came to TRACTION’s aid after hearing about their challenges in finding funding to upgrade the building. Wiley works on projects with purpose, and this challenge was one they felt they could rise to help. Wiley rallied together contacts of subcontractors and suppliers who also generously came to the aid of the charity to provide over $300,000 worth of upgrades at no cost.
TRACTION’s Sandy Murdoch said, “We want to acknowledge the contribution from the Wiley team. When they turned up to do the work, you could tell they were into it and got a sense of what TRACTION is about and understood the type of young person that this program will ultimately help get into career paths, like the construction industry. This for us is just beyond our reach, it makes us so grateful – I would like to acknowledge Wiley and the following subcontractors who have generously donated time and resources; Benic electrical, Plumbrite Solutions, Alaspec Concreting, Renoline, Continental Carpets, Todd Maintenance and Painting, Fry’s Commercial Fit Outs, G James Glass and Aluminium, Brisbane Fire Doors, Eagle Alliance Earthmoving, Bunnings, Harvey Norman – and Keith Browning. Thank you.”
One in ten young people are disengaged from education and employment in Australia. Prevention and early intervention are the best tools to prevent long-term disengagement and negative impacts on their well being.
Wiley CEO Robert Barron said, “We believe in making a difference and creating a better future and this project really fit that value. We are honoured to have been able to assist TRACTION and know that the facility will make a huge difference in the lives of at-risk youth. We also wish to thank our fantastic team of subcontractors and suppliers who donated time and materials to bring the project to life.”
The project included upgrades of TRACTION’s main hall, kitchen, office and amenities, all completed before term two of the school year commences, to enable TRACTION to help the youth of Brisbane throughout the remainder of the school year.
