One year after opening its doors, the Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer has celebrated an incredible milestone, marking twelve months of providing stability, support, education, and opportunity for young people in the region.
Premier Building & Construction was honoured to attend the recent first birthday celebration, joining project partners, residents, stakeholders, and community members to reflect on the profound impact the facility has already had on the lives of its residents.
As part of the celebration, attendees participated in the planting of a native tree, a symbolic gesture representing growth, resilience, and the future opportunities being created through the Youth Foyer program.
Designed and constructed by Premier Building & Construction, the Wodonga Youth Foyer was delivered as a purpose-driven project focused on creating meaningful social change within the community. More than simply a building, the facility was carefully designed to foster independence, education, connection, and long-term wellbeing for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Delivered in partnership with Beyond Housing, Junction Support Services, Wodonga TAFE, and the Brotherhood of St Laurence, with funding through Homes Victoria, the award-winning facility is now home to 40 local young people aged 16 to 24.
The Education First Youth Foyer model combines secure accommodation with wraparound support services, empowering residents to continue their education while building confidence, independence, and pathways toward long-term stability.
Over the past 12 months, the positive outcomes generated through the facility have already been significant.
Residents shared powerful stories during the celebration, speaking about the stability, safety, and sense of belonging the Youth Foyer has provided. For many, the facility has offered not just housing, but a genuine opportunity to rebuild confidence, strengthen connections, and focus on their future.
For Premier Building & Construction, witnessing these outcomes firsthand is an incredibly rewarding reminder of the role construction can play in shaping stronger communities.
The Wodonga Youth Foyer remains one of the most significant and meaningful projects undertaken by PBC, both in scale and social impact. Spanning more than 3,285m², the facility was carefully designed to integrate living, learning, and social connection through contemporary accommodation, communal spaces, study areas, and secure amenities tailored specifically to the needs of young residents.
The project also received significant industry recognition, taking out the award for Best Commercial Project ($6M–$20M) at the 2025 Master Builders Victoria Northern Regional Building Awards.
This recognition reflects the dedication, collaboration, and commitment shown by every individual and organisation involved in bringing the project to life.
At PBC, we believe the most meaningful projects are the ones that leave a lasting impact long after construction is complete. Seeing the Wodonga Youth Foyer continue to thrive one year on is something our entire team is immensely proud of.
We thank Beyond Housing, Junction Support Services, Wodonga TAFE, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Homes Victoria, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and the wider community for allowing us to be part of such an important project.
This is exactly what building legacies is all about. Happy Birthday Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer!
