Our Story
On 30 November 1976 Rev George Robert (Bob) Griffiths convened a meeting to discuss the issue of youth homelessness or ‘street kids” as was the language of the day. At this meeting, the decision was made to establish Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) with sponsorship from five City Churches. BYS commenced operating in February 1977 as a detached youth service providing outreach, referral and follow-up support services to disadvantaged and homeless young people on the streets in inner-city Brisbane.

Over time, BYS expanded its range of services. We also advocated for the establishment of other agencies including the Windsor Youth Emergency Shelter in 1979, Kedron Lodge in 1983 and Open Doors in 2001. In 2011, BYS supported the young people of Othilas Young Women’s Housing and Support Service, as well as Youth Emergency Services and Carina Youth Agency in 2015 when they closed.