New funding extends critical regional youth service

YOUNG people needing family violence support in Geelong will continue to have access to bespoke local support.

Geelong-based social service provider Meli has received funding from the state and federal governments to continue running its early intervention program ASPIRE.

The free, confidential program provides early-intervention family violence support for young people aged 16 to 21, providing practical help, safety planning and specialist guidance when needed.

The program, which operates across Geelong, Colac, Little River, Bannockburn and Teesdale, embeds family violence specialists within youth homelessness services to ensure young people get the right help at the right time.

Moving away from traditional service boundaries allows ASPIRE to provide greater flexibility and availability of support to young people in need.

The program includes risk assessment and safety planning, help to remain engaged with education and assistance accessing legal, financial and housing supports.

In the three years since its launch the program has been well engaged, with almost all participants developing personalised safety plans.

Meli chief executive Robyn Hayles said the funding arrives at a critical time for young people in regional communities.

“Young people are navigating increasingly complex pressures – from family violence to limited housing options – and those living outside metropolitan areas often face extra barriers when seeking help,” Hayles said.

“This funding strengthens our ability to keep delivering the kind of specialist, trauma–aware support that helps young people feel safer today and more hopeful about tomorrow.”

The funding forms part of the renewed Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2025-30 Federation Funding Agreement.