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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-02-08 Daily Xml
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LADDER ST VINCENT STREET

Mrs VLAHOS (Taylor) (14:37): I direct my question to the Minister for Housing. Can the minister update the house on the unique Ladder project that is supporting South Australians who are young and at risk of homelessness?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability) (14:37): Last Thursday, Senator Mark Arbib and I officially opened Ladder St Vincent Street. When the Labor government was elected nine years ago, our Premier was very clear about his vision for South Australia to once again lead the way in social inclusion and embrace people in our community who, for far too long, had been left behind, left without opportunity, without hope and without a home. Ladder St Vincent Street realises an important part of that vision. This is a joint state/federal government initiative backed by the Australian Football League Players Association—

The SPEAKER: Minister, can we just halt for a minute? There is a photographer taking photos of members of the public. That is not allowed and you will cease doing so. Sorry, minister.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is a joint state/federal government initiative backed by the Australian Football League Players Association and the AFL Foundation, designed to provide opportunities for young people who have not had the family support many of us take for granted. These young people might include those who have been under guardianship of the minister, people who have experienced homelessness or who have had troubled family backgrounds.

Ladder St Vincent Street is our first youth housing model to adopt a 'housing first' principle, where housing is the link to education, training, employment and opportunity. It is a link to a good life. At Ladder St Vincent Street we have taken a piece of history and made it the future, by transforming what was once the Black Diamond Hotel into 23 self-contained apartments, training facilities, offices and shops, and all the while we have preserved the history and character of this beautiful iconic Port Adelaide building. Of course, the transformation has resulted in a number of very modern additions, fixtures and fittings that are now considered important for most young people but would never have been dreamt of when the building was first constructed—computer and internet access, iPod docking stations, a range of features.

While the building will play a big role in helping many young people find their feet, it will be the support they receive through Ladder, the people they meet and the connections they make that will pave a positive path forward for them. Mentoring provided by some of our local sports stars will be critical to this. AFL players, together with Thunderbirds netballers, South Australian Sports Institute athletes and some of our state's best women cricketers will all be instrumental in instilling confidence and hope in the young people living at Ladder St Vincent Street.

I am also pleased that St John's Youth Services is on board to provide that critical 24-hour, seven-days a week support for the residents, support that will not stop when the young person moves on. Ladder is about building independence, developing self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as creating an opportunity. Each young person who lives at Ladder St Vincent Street will have their own lease, pay rent, be responsible for their own unit and for maintaining good relationships with their neighbours, as well as a commitment to being involved in education, work and training.

I understand that a number of local business people have already indicated a willingness to provide opportunities for these young tenants. So many people—too many to mention—continue to invest in this project. The state government has provided $4 million in capital to make this project possible, as well as the ongoing support services for these young ones.

Ladder St Vincent Street provides a new era in housing in Port Adelaide and our state. It builds on the pride and tradition the area has in helping those who need a hand. One young person who spoke at the launch described Ladder St Vincent Street as a place you want to come home to, not run away from.

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