About Us.
We believe every young person deserves the opportunities, access, and connections they need to build a good life—regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, socio-economic status, ability, or religion.
We fight youth disadvantage by advocating for young people. And our partnerships with local service providers and community groups support programs that make life easier for disadvantaged young people.
Stronger outcomes for Great Southern young people.
Disadvantage shows up geographically.
We do too.
Young people in regional areas are more likely than their city-dwelling counterparts to face disadvantage. And regional areas are less likely to have support in place to support youth success.
The research is clear: the best environments for young people offer strong social connections, abundant educational opportunities, and easy access to health and mental health services. Every young person needs a safe place to sleep, consistent care, and enough healthy food to fuel their brain and body.
But through no fault of their own, many young people in the Great Southern don’t have access to these things. And they’re struggling because of it.
Fighting disadvantage means creating equity.
Marginalised young people are more likely to be disadvantaged. They also face significant barriers to improving their circumstances.
Youth Great Southern exists to build a community in which no young person—regardless of their story—is left behind.
Solving youth disadvantage is complex.
To meet urgent needs and plan for a future free of
youth disadvantage, we work in three main areas:
Awareness
We speak openly about how hard it can be for young people—especially those facing disadvantage.
Support
Training, support, and social behaviour initiatives help young people find their place in society.
Partnerships
We collaborate with local service providers to create a strong support network for all young people.
Our Story.
Youth Great Southern was formed in 2020 following a bequest from the late Mr Tony Elwood, who was passionate about supporting disadvantaged young people.
In the short term, we’re focusing on acute projects that deliver real benefits to young people facing disadvantage.
But we’re working towards a future free of youth disadvantage—which is going to take time. That’s why we’re partnering with local organisations and the international Foyer movement to address youth homelessness through education, training, and sustainable employment.
Thanks to a donation of land by the City of Albany, we have a vision to create a cutting-edge youth housing service, similar to the hugely successful Foyer Oxford in Leederville. Our vision is the creation of a safe space for young people to live, work, learn, and thrive—right here in the Great Southern.
Our Team.
Ms Ricky Burges PSM
Chairperson
Ricky is the Chief Executive Officer of Albany Community Care. Before that, Ricky held many community-focused roles, including CEO of Albany Youth Support Association, CEO of WA Local Government Association for 19 years, Director-General of the Department for Culture and the Arts, CEO of Perth Zoo and the Director of Human Resources at the WA Tourism Commission.
Ricky holds a Masters Degree in Leadership and Management from Curtin University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Development, a Certificate in Psychotherapy, and Diplomas in Coaching.
“I am an Elder in the community now, and I have been fortunate to have been able to study, develop, gain experience and wisdom and am so privileged to be able to contribute towards improving the lives of disadvantaged young people in the community I live in. There is great joy in contributing to such a worthy endeavour.”
Mr Craig Dew
Director
Craig is a Director of Dew Dallimore—an Albany WA accounting firm with a 25-year pedigree.
Craig holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Curtin University. He is a member of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants.
Craig was the original trustee of The Elwood Great Southern Trust, which was set up to provide financial assistance to disadvantaged youth in the Great Southern region of WA.
The trust, which was the precursor to Youth Great Southern Ltd, was set up from funds provided in the will of Craig’s client and friend Tony Elwood.
“Through the Trust, we have a chance to make a difference to the lives of young people in the region. With a clear focus on the Great Southern, and in partnership with local organisations, we can have a real impact on our community.”
Mr Peter Watson
Director
Peter is a well-known Albany local, having represented the town in WA Parliament for twenty years until his retirement in 2021. From 2017 to 2021, he was the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly WA.
Before entering politics, Peter ran a small business in Denmark. Having started as a telegram boy within Australia Post, he also spent 30 years as the Albany Post Office manager.
“While serving as the Member for Albany for 20 years, I became aware of youth homelessness, and the effect it has on young people, their families, and the community as a whole. As part of Youth Great Southern, I hope to support young people who are struggling, in a sustainable way.”
Get involved, your way
We’re working to end youth disadvantage in the Great Southern. If you’d like to join us in the creation of a safer, more hopeful community, send us a message.