Latest News & Updates
July, 2026
GEGAC’s Village 21 Program, developed in partnership with Kids Under Cover, has reached an important milestone, with building works now complete and the site officially launched at the Community Open Day held in July 2026. The event brought together Community, partners and supporters to celebrate the progress of this Aboriginal-led accommodation model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Village 21, 372 Main Street, Bairnsdale, will be home to six young residents between the ages on 18-21 and two live-in mentors. Referrals for young residents are expected to open in the coming weeks. Once open, the referral pathway will support eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people experiencing housing insecurity to be considered for accommodation at Village 21. The program will support young people who are ready to live independently and would benefit from a culturally safe, strengths-based model that keeps them connected to culture, community and future goals.
Village 21 Key Worker, Hayley Harrison, has commenced and will play a central role in supporting the live-in mentors and young people who will reside at Village 21. This role will help young people build life skills, stay connected to culture and community, and work towards education, training, employment and longer-term housing goals.
Photos and Video of the Village site were kindly provided by Todd Devine Homes, who constructed the pods. GEGAC would also like to acknowledge and thank Pearce Cameron Indigenous Projects, who completed the landscaping and beautiful firepit area for young residents, mentors and community to gather, connect and enjoy for years to come.
Take a 3D tour of Village 21!
https://virtual.macuport.com/KUCV/VillageBairnsdale/3DVistaTour/index.htm
We need your help!
Cultural name
A competition is now open to help choose a permanent cultural name for the Village. We want young people to be part of this process and help choose a name that speaks to the strength and stories of young mob in this Community. If you’d like to make a suggestion, you can do so via the link below
Young artists to help design the basketball court
Workshops are also being held for young people aged 5–25 to contribute to the design of the Village basketball court. Young people are encouraged to participate and share ideas that reflect culture, identity, creativity and connection. Our first workshop is coming up on Thursday August 13th – click on the link below to register
Interested in becoming a live-in volunteer mentor at the Village?
Live-in Mentors are volunteers who live at the property. At least one mentor will be present at Village 21 Bairnsdale each night. They are available to assist with building the independent living skills of young people, and model independent living behaviours such as attending work or study, cleaning, cooking, washing, etc
The Expression of Interest process for volunteer mentor positions is currently open. Mentors will live onsite and provide day-to-day guidance and support within the Village environment. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, or would like more information, please contact us via the link below, or email village@gegac.org.au
More Information
Built in partnership with Melbourne-based nonprofit Kids Under Cover, and with the support of Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, and Homes Victoria, the development will consist of three 2 bedroom units with bathrooms, as well as two 1 bedroom units for two onsite mentors and a communal space with kitchen.
Too often Aboriginal children raised in out-of-home care, or who have experienced homelessness as a young person, struggle to find stable accommodation once they begin adulthood.
Which is why GEGAC is undertaking this exciting new project to provide accommodation and support here in Bairnsdale for these young Aboriginal people as they transition to independent living.
Beyond offering a place to live, Village 21 empowers young people with crucial employment guidance, educational pathways, and life skills for a successful transition to independence.
Kids Under Cover has built similar developments in Frankston and Preston.
Village 21 Frankston (Moorumbina Mongurnallin)
Take a virtual tour through Moorumbina Mongurnallin.
Village 21 Preston
Take a virtual tour through the Preston development.
