A new hub designed to support children, young people and families has opened in Bentley, bringing a range of services together in one place.
The purpose-built facility in Bentley is now home to child and youth services organisation Uplyft, formerly known as Wanslea, which has been supporting families across Western Australia for more than 80 years.
The campus covers about 4,000 square metres across two double-storey buildings and includes service delivery spaces, public areas, training facilities and a culturally safe yarning circle where community members can gather and share stories.
The fit-out of the facility was supported by $4.5 million in Lotterywest funding.
Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton said the opening marked an important milestone for the organisation and the community.
“It’s a privilege to be here on what is a significant milestone for a community sector partner who’s done the yards over 80 years,” she said.
Ms Winton said the organisation’s approach focused on providing support to children and families in a coordinated way.
“We know at the heart of what Uplyft does is to support children and young people and their families, and the way to do that is in a wraparound setting, and that’s really what’s at the heart of this campus,” she said.
“As a state government, we’re delighted through Lotterywest to have contributed $4.5 million to fit out this incredible campus.”
Victoria Park MLA Hannah Beazley said the hub would make it easier for families to access support.
“As the member for Victoria Park, I’m incredibly proud to have Uplyft here in the heart of my electorate in Bentley, servicing my local families in Victoria Park but all across WA as well,” she said.
“I cannot stress the importance of a facility like this, this hive of activity that reaches in and supports our families where they’re at.”
Ms Beazley said bringing services together in one location would reduce the pressure on families navigating complex systems.
“Some of the most complex pathways exist in referrals through our health and disability systems,” she said.
“Bringing that all into a one stop shop takes so much burden and logistical burden off families and allows them to be safe and supported.”
Uplyft chief executive Jo Sadler said the organisation had spent two years searching for the right location for the new hub.
“We were searching for two years for the ultimate location,” she said.
“We were really looking for something that was central for families, children and young people to access, as well as having parking and enough space for us to grow.”
Ms Sadler said the Bentley site proved to be the right fit.
“We were looking anywhere around the CBD, but when we found this site in Bentley, it’s just perfect,” she said.
The organisation supports more than 20,000 families across Western Australia through services that include early learning programs, NDIS support and family services delivered across 23 facilities.
Ms Sadler said the move to the new Bentley hub and the organisation’s rebrand reflected the same mission it has held for decades.
“We really see Uplyft as presenting us in a way that is more reflective of exactly what we do in terms of providing that support for children and young people,” she said.
“The new name represents a positive and contemporary approach and outlines more accurately to families the services and supports that we can help them with.”
The Bentley campus is expected to support thousands of families each year as services continue to expand.
