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Burdekin We provide a continuum of care for young people and their families through an integrated approach to intervention, support and housing.

Burdekin is an independent not-for-profit organisation that works with young people (9-24) and their families in the community to prevent homelessness, provide safe housing and support wellbeing. Burdekin is an independent not-for-profit organisation that works with young people and their families in the community to prevent homelessness, provide safe housing and support wellbeing. Burdekin brings nearly 40 years of proven experience working with young people.

Sometimes what a young person needs most is somewhere to go and someone to talk to.A recent ABC News story looked at how...
19/10/2026

Sometimes what a young person needs most is somewhere to go and someone to talk to.

A recent ABC News story looked at how youth hubs across NSW are helping young people feel less isolated and more connected, with three NSW parliamentary inquiries recommending more investment in these spaces. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-03/nsw-youth-hubs-pushed-as-solution-to-youth-crime-and-loneliness/107210986

We have seen this first hand on the Northern Beaches. When the Avalon Youth Hub opened in 2018, the principal of Barrenjoey High School came to Burdekin for help, and we have been the lead agency ever since. In 2024 the hub moved into a bigger space in Avalon and became the .

Today it offers young people aged 12 to 24 free counselling, case management and mentoring, along with workshops and community events.

Young people come for the activities and the company, and over time they build relationships with youth workers they trust. So when something does go wrong, they already know where to turn.

Know a young person in Pittwater who could do with a place to belong? Send them our way. 💙

This week is Anti-Poverty Week (11 to 17 October).Across Australia, around 1 in 6 children are growing up below the pove...
14/10/2026

This week is Anti-Poverty Week (11 to 17 October).

Across Australia, around 1 in 6 children are growing up below the poverty line, and for many young people, poverty and homelessness go hand in hand.

In the 2024/25 financial year, around 40,500 children and young people aged 12 to 24 turned to specialist homelessness services on their own. For those aged 12 to 17, family and relationship breakdown was the most common reason. For those aged 18 to 21, it was a housing crisis, such as eviction.

These are young people trying to finish school, start work or just get through the week without knowing where they will sleep.

At Burdekin, safe and stable housing is where everything starts. Once a young person has a roof over their head and someone in their corner, they can begin to focus on school, work and their future again.

This Anti-Poverty Week, you can help us keep that door open. https://burdekin.org.au/make-a-donation/

We loved hearing about Maddy’s experience at Burdekin. 💙As part of her Diploma of Community Services, Maddy recently com...
14/10/2026

We loved hearing about Maddy’s experience at Burdekin. 💙

As part of her Diploma of Community Services, Maddy recently completed 100 hours with our team and shared:

“My placement at Burdekin was an incredible and valuable learning experience. Throughout my journey, I had the opportunity to support young people through case management and participate in meetings alongside my supervisor.

This experience helped me develop my skills, grow both personally and professionally, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of supporting young people in their journey towards stability and independence.

I’m grateful for the knowledge, guidance, and opportunities I received during my time at Burdekin.”

Thank you, Maddy, for sharing your experience with us. We’re wishing you all the best for what’s ahead!

Good luck to every Year 12 student starting their HSC exams tomorrow. 💙Around 80,000 students across NSW will sit their ...
11/10/2026

Good luck to every Year 12 student starting their HSC exams tomorrow. 💙

Around 80,000 students across NSW will sit their written exams over the next few weeks, starting with English on Tuesday 13 October.

For many of the young people we work with, getting to Year 12 is a significant achievement. Despite navigating school changes, changing circumstances and other disruptions along the way, they continue to show remarkable resilience and determination. Through the Burdekin Education Program, our Education Specialists work alongside young people in our care, helping them stay connected to education, achieve their learning goals and build confidence in their future.

As a result, 75% of children and young people in our care return to school or commence TAFE or another education pathway.

To everyone sitting exams this month, your results do not decide your future. There are many paths forward, and you do not have to work them out on your own. Get some sleep, eat well and lean on the people in your corner. We are cheering for you. 📣💪

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year's theme is Together We Thrive.In our latest client survey, 93% of the yo...
09/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year's theme is Together We Thrive.

In our latest client survey, 93% of the young people we support told us our staff listen to them. As one young person put it, "Youth workers here feel like family. They actually listen."

Feeling heard matters. When young people have someone who notices when things are not right, checks in and keeps showing up, it is much easier to ask for help when life gets hard.

That is why so much of our work happens out in the community, before things reach crisis point. Our outreach team works alongside young people and their families across Sydney, providing case management, family support and mentoring, and helping them access the support, opportunities and connections they need to thrive.

If someone in your life has seemed a bit quieter than usual lately, today is a good day to reach out. 💙

If you or someone you know needs support right now, Kids Helpline is available 24/7 on 1800 55 1800, and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

https://burdekin.org.au/community-outreach/

🖤💛❤️ Taking the Next Step in Our Reconciliation JourneyLast week, Burdekin's RAP Working Group came together to review a...
08/10/2026

🖤💛❤️ Taking the Next Step in Our Reconciliation Journey

Last week, Burdekin's RAP Working Group came together to review and refine the draft of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as we take the next step in our reconciliation journey.

Moving from a Reflect RAP to an Innovate RAP is about turning learning into action. Through thoughtful discussion, reflection and planning, we explored how Burdekin can continue to strengthen cultural capability, deepen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and create meaningful opportunities for staff and young people to engage with culture.

One of the key themes that emerged was the importance of showing up, listening and building trust over time. Strong partnerships don't happen overnight. They are built through consistency, respect and genuine engagement.

We're excited to continue this journey and look forward to sharing our Innovate RAP with our community soon. 🖤💛❤️

🎉 A special gift for a special milestone.One of our wonderful team members recently put together this beautiful birthday...
08/10/2026

🎉 A special gift for a special milestone.

One of our wonderful team members recently put together this beautiful birthday gift to help celebrate a young person's 18th birthday.

Because everyone deserves to feel celebrated on the moments that matter most. 💚

Celebrating the achievements of our young people 🌟We’re celebrating some wonderful milestones across our Burdekin commun...
29/09/2026

Celebrating the achievements of our young people 🌟

We’re celebrating some wonderful milestones across our Burdekin community.

Last week, two young people graduated from high school, with one receiving multiple academic and leadership awards in recognition of their outstanding efforts.

We’re also incredibly proud of one young person who completed Year 11, and another who is transitioning from our service into stable employment and greater independence.

These milestones reflect hard work, determination and resilience, and each deserves to be celebrated.

Congratulations to all of you. We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next! 💙

Starting Conversations About Gambling HarmSchool holidays begin this week, and for many young people that can mean spend...
29/09/2026

Starting Conversations About Gambling Harm

School holidays begin this week, and for many young people that can mean spending more time online. It is a good opportunity to talk openly about gaming, gambling and the influences shaping their choices.

Australians lost almost $33 billion to gambling in 2024–25, including approximately $8.45 billion through wagering such as racing and sports betting.

Behind these figures are individuals, mates and families experiencing financial stress, relationship difficulties and other harms that can extend well beyond the person gambling.

For young people, the boundaries between gaming and gambling are increasingly blurred. Loot boxes, in-app purchases, betting-style features and gambling advertising can introduce gambling concepts early and make them appear to be a normal part of everyday entertainment.

Young apprentices and tradies may also be earning a regular wage for the first time while being exposed to sports betting, online gambling, alcohol and peer influence. Open conversations about money, budgeting, gambling odds and risk can help them make informed decisions and recognise potential harm before it takes hold.

This school holidays, start a conversation:
• What makes gambling appealing?
• How does advertising influence our choices?
• What does it really cost when the odds favour the house?
• How can we support a mate who may be struggling?

Through Burdekin’s MatesChoice program, we work with apprentices and young tradies aged 18–25 to strengthen gambling awareness, encourage smarter money choices and build confidence in seeking help or supporting a mate.

Because one honest conversation can be the first step towards safer, more informed choices. 💙

23/09/2026

This year marks 40 years of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

In this interview, Brian Burdekin and Justene Gordon reflect on the legacy of the Homeless Children Inquiry and the principles that continue to guide our work today.

While much has changed over the decades, our commitment to supporting young people remains unchanged 💙

Address

Suite 6 & 7, 2 Victor Road
Brookvale, NSW
2100

Telephone

+61289761777

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