A Melton community centre providing a safe refuge for homeless youth has been revitalised thanks to a grant from Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) / Tabcorp Park. The $5000 grant was used to purchase youth-friendly furniture and equipment for the youth community centre at the Melton site of Hope Street Youth and Family Services.

Items purchased with the grant included brightly coloured beanbags, chairs and tables, an overhead projector and screen, canvas paintings for the walls, a microphone and speaker, a children’s slide, play mats and table/chair set, educational posters and child play supplies such as colouring pencils, books and puzzles. The community centre is utilised by young people and young families who are being accommodated at Hope Street in Melton due to experiencing homelessness, as well as other community groups providing services to vulnerable community members. The centre is also being used by young people from the local area as a safe space for them to conduct their homework.