Our story

Our history

1980s – Now

1980s

In 1983, two years after Logan was declared a city, YFS was founded by the Christian Brothers. What began as a support organisation for at-risk young people and families, quickly expanded into housing, homelessness services, and community health initiatives.

1981

On 1 January 1981, Logan was declared a city. The administration building on Wembley Road was opened in February 1981.

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1983

In January 1983, The Christian Brothers in collaboration with Logan residents established a community based secular organisation in Kingston. It supported “at risk” young people and their families with accommodation, unemployment, children’s court matters and access to counselling.

1984

In March 1984, our community development work including juvenile justice and truancy began. Juvenile justice work with young people and their families led to the start of YFS and the truancy work resulted in the start of the Centre Education Programme (now an Edmund Rice Flexi School). Pictured on the right is Mick Devlin, who founded Youth and Family Services (Logan City) Inc. Mick was the organisation’s coordinator/manager until 1987.

1985

In June 1985, YFS held its first Annual General Meeting.

1985

In July 1985, youth housing at Atkinson Street opened. YFS provided this accommodation until the early 1990s.

1986

In February 1986, the office at 2 Rowan Street, Slacks Creek opened. Youth and Family Service (Logan City) was formally recognised as an incorporated association. YFS provided housing and homelessness assistance.

1987

Pam Searle joined YFS in 1987 and led the organisation as YFS coordinator/manager until her departure in 1989.

1987

In March 1987, Youthlink launched. Youthlink offered activities for young people, developed to address youth unemployment (Pixies Catering), homelessness and links to education. Youthlink continues to operate today.

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1988

In June 1988, funding for the Juvenile Advocacy Service commenced, signalling the start of the Logan Youth Legal Service.

1989

In April 1989, YFS clients performed the play, Charged Up

1989

In August 1989, the Our Homeless Children Report was released. YFS was visited by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner Brian Burdekin. Brian commissioned this report, which made recommendations about children having the right to receive adequate housing, to enjoy special protection and to be protected against all forms of neglect, cruelty and exploitation.

1989

In September 1989, the Health Bus Clinic started. Until 1993, YFS sponsored the health bus, offering contraception and conception counselling, and STI and HIV screening and counselling.

1990s

In the 1990s, YFS grew its reach – launching a legal service, introducing programs for young parents, acquiring two new office spaces, and offering behaviour change programs for domestic and family violence offenders.

1990

In February 1990, 4 Rowan Street, Slacks Creek was acquired. The property was extended in 1993.

1990

In March 1990, we introduced the Commonwealth Family and Relationships programs. These included adolescent and parent mediation, along with family counselling services. They continue today as Step by Step (Thriving Young Families).

Learn more about Step by Step

1992

In January 1992, the Logan Legal Advice Centre was established through a partnership between YFS and local solicitors. YFS took on management of the service, which relocated to our 4 Rowan Street premises and has since evolved into what is now YFS Legal. Around this time, we also delivered the Domestic Violence and Survival Sex programs for young people.

1992

In January 1992, the Queensland Health Young Parents program began and continued until 2006.

1994

In February 1994, the Women’s Anti-Violence Support Service separated from YFS to form an independent organisation, enabling YFS to focus on working with male perpetrators.

1995

In June 1995, Self Organised Youth Accommodation (SOYA) was established. Through SOYA, YFS provided 17 long-term housing units for young people on Defiance Road, Woodridge. Management of the property continued until June 2018.

1996

In July 1996, Logan Youth Connections amalgamated with YFS. The program, also known as Community Connections, supported young people with multiple disabilities in the transition from school.

1997

In July 1997 the Community Conferencing program commenced.

1997

In September 1997, the office at 376 Kingston Road, Slacks Creek was purchased.

1998

In January 1998, a Youth Support Coordinator began working in Logan high schools.

1998

In January 1998, Logan River Valley Housing Tenancy (formerly Logan Hotline) amalgamated with YFS. The program continued as the Logan Tenancy Advice and Advocacy Service until 2013.

1999

In February 1999, M-Power began, delivering an early intervention mental health program for young people until 2014.

2000s

The 2000s marked a new era for YFS’ with leadership transition to longstanding CEO, Cath Bartolo OAM, our 25th anniversary, and expanded service offerings in youth, family, drug and alcohol, employment, and disability support. As Logan grew, so did we. By 2009, we were delivering more than 40 programs in five Logan sites and employing 130+ staff.

2000

In January 2000, YFS became a Registered Training Organisation. Our RTO continued until 2006.

2000

In February 2000, our Community Job Plans program commenced. In its six-year lifespan, this program offered paid work to a number of unemployed people to develop the Eagleby Wetlands.

2001

In January 2001, Centenary of Federation mosaic created. Our disability clients went above and beyond by creating a wonderful mosaic celebrating 100 years since Australia’s federation. The mosaic remains proudly displayed in the front courtyard of our office at 376 Kingston Road.

2001

In June 2001, our TASK Work Enterprise Group began. TASK is a car wash and gardening enterprise started by a YFS disability client. It continues to operate today.

2001

In July 2001, YFS took on the management of Outer Southern Suburbs Community Accommodation Inc. (OSSCA), based in Moorooka. We managed the organisation until 2005.

2002

In June 2002, YFS secured funding for the Needle and Syringe program, which had previously operated without funding.

2002

In September 2002, Logan Youth Legal received the Children’s Lawyer of the Year Award. The image shows a 2002 resource created to help young people understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.

2002

In December 2002, long-standing YFS coordinator and manager Tony Parsons retired. Tony was one of the organisation’s longest-serving managers, having started in the role in 1991. The image shows Tony (front row, blue shirt) at his farewell in 2002. Cath Bartolo (front row, red shirt) stepped into the role of YFS Chief Executive following his departure.

2003

In May 2003, the Drug Accommodation Pilot began as a community diversion program and an alternative to prison. YFS managed the housing component until 2013.

2003

In June 2003, YFS expanded its programs for young people. These included Job Placement Employment and Training, and the Youth Engagement Service, a school-based program funded by Community Renewal for young people disengaged in the early years of high school.

2004

In January 2004, YFS introduced new job seeker and domestic and family violence programs, including support for parents seeking work and programs for people using violence.

2004

In March 2004, YFS coordinated the Friendship Games. Through sport, the program connected young refugees and supported their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

2005

In March 2005, YFS introduced couple counselling and specialised family violence work following changes to family support policy.

2005

In April 2005, YFS hosted Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, Governor of Queensland.

2005

In June 2005, YFS held YFest, a festival for young people.

2006

In January 2006, the Early Childhood team began. The program supported families with children under five and led to YFS opening an office at Waterford West Primary School in 2007. It operated until 2013.

2006

In March 2006, 2QT2BSTR8 outreach began. Through this program, youth and social workers provided confidential counselling for LGBTQIA+ young people aged 16 to 19.

2007

In June 2007, the Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program began, providing mental health recovery support.

2008

In January 2008, the ReSolv program began. ReSolv supported young people aged 12 to 17 experiencing volatile substance misuse. The program amalgamated with YouthLink in 2015.

2008

In January 2008, the Burrabilly program commenced with support from the Logan District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Elders. It provided Indigenous mental health support until 2015.

2008

In February 2008, YFS launched the Participate in Prosperity (PIP) employment program. It provided intensive case management support for people facing barriers to employment and operated until 2013.

2008

In May 2008, the Next Step Logan–Beenleigh Young Person’s Project commenced. It was a social inclusion initiative that brought together government, non-government and community partners to better coordinate support for young people. The program operated until 2012.

2008

In June 2008, the Lifelong Planning Community Support Initiative (LPCSI) commenced. It focused on building the capacity of mainstream services to better support people with disabilities and operated until 2014.

2009

By 2009, Logan City’s population had reached 260,000, representing more than 160 cultures. YFS delivered over 40 programs across five sites, employed more than 130 staff, and supported more than 5,000 people in 2009-10.

2009

In November 2009, YFS turned 25. We celebrated by holding a party in Rowan Park. More than 1,000 people joined the celebrations including clients, neighbours, politicians, funding bodies, local community organisations, current and past staff.

2009

In November 2009, YFS’ 25th anniversary was showcased by the media.

2010s

The 2010s were a decade of diversification and impact – we broadened our financial service offerings, deepened First Nations partnerships, added two extra sites, became the DFV provider for Jimboomba and Beaudesert, and launched bold initiatives like Substation33, YFS Legal and the award winning DFV prevention program: R4Respect.

2010

In January 2010, Information, Referral and Assessment Services (IRAS) commenced as YFS’ ‘no wrong door’ service for walk-in and phone enquiries. The program later became known as YFS Connect.

2011

In March 2011, 16 Central was built. YFS opened its purpose-built space at 358 Kingston Road in Slacks Creek.

2011

In 2011, the Respectful Relationships program began. It supported young people aged 13 to 24 and was delivered through Woodridge State High School, Marsden State High School, Logan TAFE, Multilink and YFS.

2011

In November 2011, YFS held its annual staff development day, the Healthy Headspace Conference. The event was also attended by other local organisations.

2012

In July 2012, YFS launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan. The 2012–2014 plan outlined our commitment to reconciliation and to closing the gap in health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2012

In August 2012, the WorkCrew social enterprise commenced, providing employment and skill-building opportunities until 2016.

2012

By 2012, YFS had grown to 148 paid staff and 42 volunteers across Logan, reflecting continued growth in services and reach.

2012

In 2012, the Home Energy Scheme was rolled out, offering home visits and education sessions to help people in Logan, Brisbane, Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley better manage their energy use.

2012

In 2012, the Place-based Money Management Service was launched to support income-managed clients to build effective money management skills.

2013

In 2013, Substation33 was established. In its first year, the social enterprise e-waste recycling initiative processed more than 10,000 kg of equipment and continues to operate today.

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2013

In 2013, The CLUB (Communicating, Learning, Understanding and Belonging) program launched. Delivered in partnership with The Salvation Army Communities for Children and five local primary schools, it supported primary school children to build connection, confidence and belonging.

2013

In 2013, WWILD co-located with YFS in Slacks Creek to support Logan women with intellectual disabilities to address sexual violence and build safer behaviours.

2013

In 2013, Youth and Family Services (Logan City) Inc. became YFS Ltd, transitioning from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee.

2013

In 2013, a $4 million reduction in Queensland and Commonwealth government funding led YFS to reduce services, ending several long-standing programs.

2013

In 2013, YFS hosted its annual staff conference, with keynote speakers Noel Pearson, an Aboriginal leader and advocate, and Wesley Enoch, an acclaimed Indigenous playwright and director.

2014

In 2014, YFS secured corporate sponsorships, with Macquarie Bank and Westpac Bank supporting a number of our social enterprises, including Substation33.

2014

In 2014, a problem gambling service was launched, including financial counselling for people experiencing problem gambling.

2014

In 2014, YFS began sharing our Slacks Creek premises with the Logan District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, including the Murri Men’s Group.

2014

In 2014, YFS Legal launched. Our two community legal centres, Logan Youth Legal and Logan Legal Advice Centre, amalgamated to become YFS Legal.

2014

In 2014, Get Ready launched. The program supported people with disability and their families to prepare for the NDIS across Logan, Redlands and the Gold Coast.

2015

In 2015, YFS marked 30 years of service. The milestone was celebrated with a community event, reflecting on our beginnings and ongoing work in Logan. A video was created to capture this history, featuring reflections from founder Mick Devlin.

Watch the video

2015

In 2015, the Browns Plains office opened, providing access to the Intensive Family Support Program. It closed in 2018 when the Jimboomba centre opened.

2015

In 2015, R4Respect began, a youth-led violence prevention initiative promoting respectful relationships. In its first nine months, it generated more than 300 social media posts and reached around 3,000 young people through more than 15 school and community events.

2015

In 2015, Youthlink expanded to the Redlands, supporting young people across Redland City, including the Bay Islands, to build skills for independence and reduce disadvantage.

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2015

In 2015, YFS Connect launched, bringing together financial support services, including intake and referral (formerly IRAS), financial counselling, Money Smart and emergency relief, to help people respond to financial crisis and build skills to manage money.

2015

In 2015, the Intensive Family Support service began, quickly reaching capacity as it worked with families with child protection concerns to help keep their children safe.

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2016

In 2016, QSTARS moved in, with Tenants Queensland’s tenancy advice workers co-locating at our Slacks Creek premises.

2016

In 2016, YFS became a ParentsNext provider. This Australian Government program supported parents of young children to prepare for work, including setting career goals and building practical steps to achieve them. The program concluded in 2024 and was replaced by Parent Pathways.

2016

In 2016, NDIS planning got underway. We supported people using our disability programs to prepare, including through dedicated pre-planning support.

2016

In 2016, Substation33 grew its innovation hub. Over 300 people took part in nearly 35,000 hours of work experience, developing workplace skills while learning to disassemble electronic goods and use 3D printers.

2016

In 2016, Project HERA launched. YFS partnered with Queensland Police Service Logan to co-locate a worker within the Logan District Domestic and Family Violence Unit, providing timely assessment, referral and support for people experiencing domestic and family violence.

2016

In 2016, Not Now, Not Ever in Logan gained strong support. YFS joined with Federal, State and local government, businesses and community organisations to take action to end domestic and family violence. As part of the campaign, the Rotary Clubs of Logan, Loganholme and Beenleigh funded a pocket Quick Help Guide with information and support for people in Logan experiencing violence.

2016

In 2016, our 372 Kingston Road office opened in Slacks Creek. The new office included a co-location space for the Logan District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Elders.

2017

In 2017, YFS expanded The Club. After extending into seven more schools in 2016, the program supported 397 students to strengthen their social skills and participation at school.

2017

In 2017, Done With Debt launched. The campaign focused on preventing debt linked to rental schemes for household items, using billboards, bus shelters and shopping centre ads across Logan to share the message “easy lenders can make life tough”.

2017

In 2017, Substation33 established Solar Signs Solutions. Partnering with Logan City Council, the team manufactured flood warning signs for low-lying road crossings. The signs proved effective during Tropical Cyclone Debbie, when no motorists attempted to drive through floodwaters at the nine crossings where they were installed.

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2017

In 2017, YFS actively contributed to the Logan Integrated Service Response to Domestic Violence. Improved information sharing between organisations strengthened our collective ability to support victims of high-risk perpetrators to achieve safety, while also holding perpetrators accountable.

2017

In 2017, 75 YFS volunteers and clients moved into paid work. Substation33 volunteers transitioned into employment after gaining skills and experience with us. We also supported clients in our case management teams, particularly through our PHaMs mental health recovery service and ParentsNext, to build work readiness for people facing significant barriers to employment.

2017

In 2017, the Sure Steps family coaching service launched. The service supported public housing tenants with young children to identify and achieve their goals. It was developed in consultation with Logan Together and the Department of Housing and Public Works.

2018

In 2018, the Functional Family Therapy Queensland trial began. YFS became the only organisation in Queensland funded to deliver Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare, an evidence-based program developed by New York Foundling LLC that supports families with complex needs at risk of entering the child protection system.

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2018

In 2018, Assessment and Service Connect (ASC) was introduced. ASC worked alongside statutory workers to assess family functioning and identify appropriate support services for families with children at risk of entering the child protection system.

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2018

In 2018, YFS launched Spark. The initiative connected people in Logan public housing with opportunities to work, learn, volunteer or start a microbusiness. Spark continues to operate today, providing mentoring to YFS clients to build work readiness and move into employment, training or education.

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2018

In 2018, YFS opened a Jimboomba office. Responding to population growth in western Logan, the site became home to our Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare, Intensive Family Support, and Beaudesert Domestic and Family Violence Service for Women and Children teams.

2018

In 2018, YFS co-hosted Logan’s 10th anniversary National Apology event. We partnered with the Healing Foundation to mark the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, bringing together Elders, community members, elected representatives and students to share stories, songs and messages of reconciliation and hope.

2018

In 2018, Substation33 made significant progress in its innovation, developing solar-powered charging units in conjunction with PowerWells and water-quality testing meters in a partnership with Griffith University. Its flood-warning-sign partnership with Logan City Council continued to grow.

2018

In 2018, Not Now, Not Ever won a Safe City Logan Award. The cinema advertisement featured Logan identities, including rugby league great Corey Parker, speaking out against domestic violence. Developed through a partnership between YFS, The Centre for Women & Co, Queensland Police Service, Logan City Council, the Queensland Government, local businesses and service clubs, the campaign won the Not-for-Profit category at the 2018 Safe City Logan Awards.

2019

In 2019, YFS introduced a Trauma Responsive Practice Framework. The framework helped staff understand the impacts of trauma and embed trauma-responsive approaches across our work, strengthening our ability to support people to achieve positive change in their lives.

2019

In 2019, Thriving Families launched. Co-designed with Logan Together, the Community Services Industry Alliance, the Australian Centre for Social Innovation and families with lived experience of homelessness, the program brought together family coaches and a housing specialist to help families move from housing crisis towards stable housing and improved wellbeing.

2019

In 2019, our disability support services transitioned. YFS ceased delivering community participation programs for people with disability, and the Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program came to an end. We supported clients to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) where eligible and connect with other services to meet their needs.

2019

In 2019, YFS held Logan’s first Deal with Debt Day. The event brought together 20 organisations, including energy providers and Centrelink, to help people access practical information and support to manage debt. We also partnered with Logan’s largest Facebook group, Mums’n’Bubs Logan, to host live Q&A sessions and reach more people in the community.

2019

In 2019, Financial support became available through YFS Connect. We integrated financial counselling and capability services into YFS Connect, bringing intake, advice, referral, money management, emergency relief and financial counselling together in one place to better support people experiencing financial hardship and homelessness.

2019

In 2019, LGBTIQ+ support expanded. We partnered with Open Doors to strengthen support for LGBTIQ+ young people in Logan. Based at YFS, Open Doors provided outreach and support to young people exploring gender, sexuality and identity, while also delivering Sistergirl and Brotherboy training to YFS staff.

2019

In 2019, ANROWS research highlighted R4Respect’s impact. Research commissioned by the Australian National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) found R4Respect’s peer-to-peer model was effective in engaging young people on sensitive topics and challenging attitudes that underpin violence against women. The findings reinforced the role young people can play as leaders and agents of change in their communities.

2019

In 2019, our First Nations collaborations strengthened. We continued to strengthen relationships with First Nations community organisations, with 10 partnerships in place, including Mununjali, ATSICHS and the Logan District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Elders. This work also informed improvements to how we recruit and support First Nations staff.

2019

In 2019, YFS endorsed the national Family Matters position paper calling for a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and supporting better outcomes for First Nations children and families.

2019

In 2019, Community Youth Response and Diversion launched. YFS partnered with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service, the Department of Youth Justice and Queensland Police Service to deliver the Community Youth Response and Diversion program in Logan. The program worked with young people at risk of entering the youth justice system, alongside support to address issues such as family challenges, homelessness and substance use.

2019

In 2019, R4Respect won a national crime prevention award. Our youth-led respectful relationships program, R4Respect, received a Gold Award at the 2019 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. The award was announced by the Federal Minister for Home Affairs at Parliament House in Canberra.

2019

In 2019, Substation33 received national and state recognition. The Substation33 team won the Minister’s Award for the Environment at the 2019 Banksia Sustainability Awards and was named Community Group of the Year at the 2019 Queensland Community Achievement Awards.

2019

In 2019, YFS Legal launched student legal clinics with QUT and UQ. YFS Legal began hosting law students from QUT and UQ, providing practical experience working alongside our lawyers. QUT students supported the Family and Civil Law Clinic, while UQ students contributed to the Culturally Competent Criminal Law Practice Clinic.

2019

In 2019, YFS Legal solicitor Candice Hughes was named Australia’s Indigenous Lawyer of the Year. Candice received the Indigenous Lawyer of the Year Award at the 2019 Women in Law Awards in recognition of her work supporting First Nations people and communities.

2020s

The 2020s have been a period of expansion, integration, strategic partnerships and renewed vision. Strong planning enabled continuity through COVID-19, while 2023 saw the appointment of our second CEO Christopher John. As client needs grow more complex, we are trialing integration services that treat the whole person and, through a brand refresh, redefining how we articulate who we are: an organisation that believes our clients’ narratives are not fixed, and gives them the tools they need to rewrite their future story.

2020

In 2020, Logan united behind a domestic and family violence campaign. YFS joined Logan City Council and 30 local businesses and community organisations to support the Not Now, Not Ever in Logan street banner campaign, encouraging the community to take a stand against domestic and family violence.

2020

In 2020, Men4Respect launched. Developed by young men for young men and boys, the program promoted healthy relationships and challenged harmful attitudes and behaviours.

2020

In 2020, COVID-19 pandemic hits, YFS pivots. As the pandemic created hardship across Logan, YFS launched the Logan Response Hotline in partnership with Logan City Council, community organisations and local businesses. Substation33 also refurbished hundreds of computers to help students access online learning from home.

2020

In 2020, Domestic and family violence services adapted during COVID-19. Staff from Responsible Men, Project Hera and the Beaudesert Domestic and Family Violence Service worked together to strengthen support for clients. Our teams continued delivering services throughout the pandemic.

2020

In 2020, Next Step Plus launched. The program provided specialist support for young people with an out-of-home care experience, helping them navigate the transition to independent living and adulthood.

2020

In 2020, support services expanded to Yarrabilba and Jimboomba. YFS Connect introduced emergency relief and financial capability services, while YFS Legal expanded domestic and family violence legal support through co-located lawyers in Beaudesert and Jimboomba.

2020

In 2020, R4Respect and Not Now, Not Ever in Logan received Queensland honours. The Queensland Government inducted youth-led violence prevention program R4Respect into the Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Honour Roll. The Honour Roll also recognised Not Now, Not Ever in Logan for its contribution to preventing domestic and family violence across the community.

2020

In 2020, Men4Respect won a Logan Safe City Award. The program was recognised by Logan City Council for helping create a safer, more inclusive community through its work with young men and boys.

2020

In 2020, YFS launched its First Nations Cultural Framework. The framework set out our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and established a roadmap for action, accountability and continuous improvement.

2021

In 2021, an evaluation of the Thriving Families demonstration project found its success was driven by two key elements: integrating specialist and general support services, and a family-led approach that empowered families to set and pursue their own goals.

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2021

In 2021, YFS launched its Theory of Change. The Theory of Change articulated our understanding of how change happens for people experiencing disadvantage in Logan and surrounding communities, and how YFS contributes to positive outcomes in their lives.

2021

In 2021, our partnership with Hand Heart Pocket began. Hand Heart Pocket funded a two-year project to integrate case management for young families with specialist supports, including employment, housing, counselling, social connection and healthy relationships.

2021

In 2021, Integrated family housing support expanded. Family Housing Specialists were embedded within YFS family programs, providing housing support alongside existing services to help families secure and maintain stable housing.

2021

With the support of the Sisters of Mercy, we started Logan Zero. With the tagline ‘homelessness is solvable’, Logan Zero is one arm of a nationwide movement that aims to end rough sleeping for good through robust data, inter-organisation collaboration and targeted advocacy.

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2022

In 2022, Home and Healthy launched. The Home and Healthy program assists people to navigate systems such as housing, physical health care, drug and alcohol, and mental health.

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2022

In 2022, Resolve launched. The early intervention youth case management and diversion program supported young people at risk of entering the youth justice system and helped them build positive pathways for the future. Funding for the program concluded in April 2024.

2022

In 2022, Substation33 celebrated 10 years. We celebrated a decade of creating social, environmental and economic impact through our social enterprise, Substation33.

2022

In 2022, CEO Cath Bartolo AM was awarded Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her many years of service to Logan, young people and the community sector.

2023

In 2023, Pride @YFS launched. The staff-led working party was established to strengthen LGBTQIA+ inclusion and inclusive practice across YFS.

2023

In 2023, our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan launched. The 2023–26 plan set out actions to advance reconciliation and strengthen our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2023

In February 2023, Cath Bartolo AM retired. As CEO, Cath spent 21 years building YFS into a dynamic organisation, achieving great outcomes for the communities YFS works with. She was a passionate advocate for the people of Logan and surrounding areas.

2023

In July 2023, Christopher John commenced as YFS CEO. Since 2006, he has held CEO roles across the not-for-profit sector, leading organisations dedicated to improving community outcomes.

2024

In 2024, YFS Homelessness Outreach launched. The team works across the community to connect people experiencing homelessness with practical support, information and services.

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2024

In 2024, our Disability and Neurodiversity Working Group formed. The employee-led working group was established to help strengthen disability inclusion, and accessibility across YFS.

2024

In July 2024, our Cultural Diversity Working Group was founded to promote and support the many different cultures that make up our YFS staff group.

2024

In September 2024, YFS partnered with Churches of Christ Housing Services to deliver 124 long-term, safe and affordable units in Slacks Creek. YFS supports the residents to transition into the complex, with wrap-around support to maintain their tenancies and thrive.

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2024

In October 2024, we partnered with Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) to deliver the Support to Overcome Abusive Relationships (SOAR) program at the Southern Queensland Correctional Centre. This trauma-informed specialist group supports women impacted by domestic and family violence.

2024

In November 2024, we partnered with the Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC) to deliver Break the Cycle. The program supports young men and boys to develop healthy, safe, respectful relationships and heal from the trauma caused by domestic and family violence.

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2024

In 2024, our Parents Next program concluded, and Parent Pathways began. Parent Pathways, which helps parents with young children find paid work, quickly tripled in size and continues to grow.

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2025

In March 2025, Jinndi Waijung (meaning “Mother’s Nest” in the Yugambeh language) was officially launched. This purpose-built supportive housing initiative – developed in partnership with The Lady Musgrave Trust – offers four self-contained family units in Logan, alongside two generational support services.

2025

In 2025, we celebrated our 40-year anniversary with multiple generations of clients, staff and stakeholders. As part of the celebration, we collected 42 stories of YFS. Each reflected our lived values of excellence, integrity, optimism, steadfastness and courage. We also held two community events in Jimboomba and Slacks Creek.

2026

In July 2026, we launched Not in My Community, a primary prevention movement in the Scenic Rim, that challenges the attitudes, behaviours and inequalities that allow domestic and family violence to grow.

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2026

In July 2026, we unveiled a major brand refresh shaped by community insights and feedback. Introducing the meaning behind YFS – Your Future Story- and supported by a new website, the refresh better reflects the breadth and depth of our services.

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