This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to YIRS One Stop Youth Shop, an organisation dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space for young people in Mackay.

Offering free and confidential support to young people, YIRS focuses on health, wellbeing, crisis assistance and pathways to education and employment.

“We provide services like counselling, advocacy and youth engagement programs in a safe and inclusive environment,” said Service Manager Dee Chapman.

“We also connect young people with local resources to address their unique needs and foster personal development.”

Many young people seek YIRS for help with mental health, family conflict, housing, crisis situations, education, employment, Centrelink identification and accessing health services.

“Young people visit YIRS for support in crisis situations, whether it’s mental health, family conflict, or housing. We also assist with practical needs like obtaining ID, enrolling in education, and accessing health services.”

YIRS also supports families and caregivers by offering mediation, guidance, and referrals.

“We work alongside families to provide resources and information that strengthen support systems and improve communication.”

YIRS is unique because it offers free, youth-centred support from experienced staff who specialise in crisis care, counselling, health, education and employment.

A key challenge for many youth is simply getting to their appointments.

“Reliable transport is a major barrier. That’s why YIRS offers transport for all young people, ensuring the trust and reliability that so many need. Seeking the correct service to address their needs is another challenge. YIRS is a responsive service, meaning there’s no waiting for appointments or appropriate referrals.

“Young people can visit us in person or reach out online – our services are completely free.”

The impact of YIRS can be life changing. Dee shared a success story of a young person who was facing family breakdown, disengagement from school, and the risk of homelessness.

“We helped them get identification and a bank account, enrolled them in the FLIQ program to complete their education, and set up appointments with a mental health nurse and AODS worker.

“We helped them address previous trauma and navigate a way to return home and reunite with their family. Now, they have their licence and are employed full-time.”

YIRS takes a holistic approach by providing access to multiple services in one location to reduce barriers for young people. Its partnerships include a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, a midwife, an AODS worker, a Centrelink officer, the TTW program with Ideal Placements, Charters Towers School of Distance Education, and 54 Reasons’ Bail Support Program. YIRS also has an extensive referral process within the community, including child safety, youth justice, schools, and community members.

“We are funded by the Department of Child Safety, Seniors, and Disability Services but we are always looking for funding opportunities to support and expand the essential services we provide.

“The $500 community gift will make a huge difference. It will help young people with essential costs like obtaining a birth certificate, enrolling in Prep L, and covering the cost of their Learner’s Photo ID once they pass their driving test. These steps are crucial for accessing education, employment, and independence.”

As demand for services grows, funding remains a challenge.

“The financial stresses on families are increasing, which impacts service delivery. Donations and support through volunteering within the service are always welcomed.”

For those who want to help, Dee encourages community members to get involved.

To find out more about YIRS or to donate go to yirs.org.au