Launch Youth

Launch Youth (and Pathways) gets honoured on the national stage.

Launch is a Hobart-based shelter for male youth (13-22yrs) who are either homeless or troubled by mental health issues. As a medium to long term home for these young men, it is the only such shelter in Tasmania.

Recently we received a fascinating letter from a leader in the Tasmanian housing and homelessness sector who alerted us to the fact we had been honoured at the National AHI Awards, September 1, in Darwin. His letter (reprinted in full with permission) is as follows:

Hi Aldo,

I recently attended the National housing conference in Darwin. During the conference I attended the National AHI Awards night and was very excited to receive the “Tenant led initiative Award” on behalf of a Trinity Hill resident. One of the key speakers at the award night was the Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services Luke Howarth.

During the Ministers opening speech, you were mentioned in person. The Minister spoke for approximately 10 minutes directly about you and your service, Launch. During his speech he spoke about a recent visit to Tasmania where he met with you in person and spoke with you about the local issues we face with Housing and Youth. The Minister gave a number of examples of the wonderful work you are doing in Tasmania, especially during such a challenging time. He spoke in detail in relation to some amazing outcomes Launch has had. He was visibly moved when telling the story of the gentlemen that had found a wallet and had returned it to Launch only to inform you that he had been supported by Launch many years ago and that Launch had provided him with not just the right support but how Launch had created opportunity for him to get him to where he is now.

It was so nice to hear a Key speaker, especially a Minister focusing on the wonderful work being done in Tasmania and even nicer to hear how much he was taken back with the great work you and your team do.

I wanted to thank you personally not only for the support and collaboration we have here in Tasmania but for the time you took to speak with the Minister and highlight the challenges we face but more importantly the great outcome that can be achieved. We are often left without too much recognition here in Tasmania yet we have so much to offer so it was a very welcomed surprise to hear the Minister talk so much about the great work you are doing.

Well done and many thanks,

Michael Parkinson

Southern Area Manager-Supported Residential Services

Anglicare Tasmania Inc.

18 Watchorn Street, Hobart TAS 7000

GPO Box 1620, Hobart 7001

Below is the actual video of Assistant Minister Luke Howarth giving the keynote address in Darwin, in which he highlighted Pathways' work and its impact in the local Tasmanian community. Readers of Stepping Stones will recall we recorded his visit to Launch in our previous issue. You never know how you will impact people sometimes.  The relevant section of the video begins at the 6 min mark.