F5.2 Across the Lifecourse
Transformative support for young families
Abstract:
The Jinndii Waijung Tenancy and Support Program is a transformative supportive housing model that backs young mothers and their children. The initiative aims to break cycles of inter-generational disadvantage for young families, deepen understanding about what works for young families to move from crisis to thriving, and to develop a transitional supportive housing model for young parents that enables scaling and replication. The project is delivered in partnership between The Lady Musgrave Trust, as the landlord, YFS Ltd, as the service delivery agency and Churches of Christ, as the property manager.
The initiative is grounded in the voices of young parents. Jinndii Waijung, meaning ‘Mother’s Nest’ in Yugambeh language is a purpose-built housing complex for young mums and their children, built with funding support from the Queensland Government. YFS’s Young Parent Influencers worked alongside architects and planners to co-design the property, providing thoughtful and informed feedback on the design, layout and furnishings to ensure the space is fit for purpose. The property contains four self-contained apartments, plus a common space and onsite office. The property has been tenanted with four young families since March 2025.
Residents are supported to move from crisis to thriving using a flexible, holistic, two-generational ‘resourcing model’. It is designed to meet families where they are at and build the foundations for a positive future in line with the family’s needs, aims and objectives. The practice approach incorporates case management, coaching, group work and therapeutic techniques to progress families towards thriving. All work is underpinned by an intentional focus on building safe and healthy relationships, life skills, intergeneration development and health and wellbeing.
The model is already achieving promising results, with high engagement and enhanced wellbeing for participating young mothers and their children. This presentation shares early insights into this unique transformative supportive housing model.
Biography
Amy Blair is the Program Manager for the Thriving Young Families Step by Step program at YFS in Logan. Amy holds a Master of Social Work and has over a decade of experience working with children and families. She is passionate about supporting families through a person-centred, holistic approach and ensuring that the voice of lived experience leads the way in the development of program, services and advocacy work. Amy has extensive experience working with young families and managing multi-disciplinary teams for positive impact across generations.
Victoria Parker is CEO of The Lady Musgrave Trust, Queensland’s oldest charity for young women and children facing homelessness. She brings decades of experience in housing and community development, and is recognised for championing lived experience-driven solutions. Victoria leads partnerships that place women’s voices at the centre of design, delivery, and evidence-based advocacy.