Bendigo has been building strong momentum over the past few months. We’re still on the lookout for a home for “The Nest,” trusting for the right space at the right time. In the meantime, we’ve been making the most of the mall—turning outdoor spaces into places of connection, fun, and consistency as we show up week after week for the young people. Each Wednesday night before pizza, we share a short 5–8 minute message. Lately, we’ve been focusing on belonging, peer pressure, and identity—real topics that are hitting home. The response has been powerful, sparking deeper conversations and creating space for young people to open up in ways we haven’t seen before. Afterward, we pray over the food and intentionally create a culture of honour, with the girls invited to eat first. Holly and Taj have also been creating space for connection through henna with many of the girls. What might seem simple has opened the door for meaningful conversations, prayer, and moments of trust that don’t always come easily. We’ve recently seen several young people give their lives to God, and prayer is becoming a natural, consistent part of each night. It’s been incredible to witness hearts softening, questions being asked, and young people encountering God in real and personal ways. We’re also excited to share that Holly has stepped into an admin role for Street Peace Bendigo, strengthening communications, organisation, and the ongoing search for a building. At the same time, we’re continuing to build connections with local churches, businesses, and community partners—inviting more people into what God is doing here. Thank you for standing with us, praying, and backing this work. It truly makes a differen ce. 

Over the past nine months, something powerful has been building in Darwin.

The beginning of the year at The Nest youth nights and The Hub has been a powerful season of connection, growth, and meaningful conversations with young people. Each month we intentionally focus on a theme that helps guide discussions, mentoring, and activities. In January , the theme was Goodness , and in February , we explored Faithfulness . January Theme: Goodness January focused on helping young people recognise and experience goodness — not just as an idea, but as something real that can be lived and shared. Wednesday nights at The Nest were filled with leadership, honest conversations, shared meals, laughter, and games . A highlight of the month was a panel discussion where both mentors and young men shared openly about life, challenges, and what it means to pursue goodness even through difficult seasons. The conversation created a powerful moment of unity across generations. Young people were listened to, stories were shared, and the atmosphere in the room was calm, respectful, and deeply connecting. One of the most encouraging things we witnessed was the growing trust among the young people. As relationships continue to deepen, we’re seeing more youth engage consistently and open up about their experiences. Goodness is becoming something they can feel and recognise — a safe space where trust is built and where people genuinely care for one another. February Theme: Faithfulness In February, the focus shifted to Faithfulness — learning about consistency, loyalty, and showing up for one another. For many of the young people we work with, faithfulness is not something they have always experienced in relationships. Through mentoring conversations, group discussions, and everyday moments together, we explored what it looks like to be faithful in friendships, family, work, and in the commitments we make. Mentors modelled this by simply being present week after week. Sharing meals together, laughing, playing games, and having meaningful conversations created opportunities to talk about staying committed even when life becomes difficult. At both The Nest and The Hub , young people are beginning to see that real community is built through consistency — people who keep showing up, keep listening, and keep believing in them. As stories are shared and trust continues to grow, young people are discovering that they are not alone. Partner with Street Peace through giving to help provide meals, programs, and support for disengaged youth.

Our Street Peace Christmas night in Bendigo was truly special, filled with fun, laughter, and great energy.

On Wednesday 17th December, the Nest in Frankston was full, not just with noise and colour, but with belonging. Around 75 young people filled the space as we celebrated our Street Peace Christmas Party, each one welcomed, seen, and deeply valued.

It’s been a massive couple of months for our Gippsland Street Peace crew. Every Wednesday, we’re still out on the buses and trains, meeting young people right where they are, opening conversations with nothing more than a smile and a donut.

Our weekly pizza nights continue to be a highlight at Street Peace Bendigo, and it’s been so encouraging to welcome many new young people through our doors. With those who attend regularly, we’re seeing real breakthroughs—youth are beginning to open up, share their stories, and trust our team . A standout moment has been our prayer circle , which the young people themselves have started leading! During this time, we share short stories, testimonies, and messages, sparking meaningful conversations and deeper connections . To guide these discussions even further, we’ve recently introduced weekly themes . This approach is helping to bring focus and depth to our time together, creating space for youth to reflect, grow, and feel a stronger sense of belonging. At Street Peace, these moments remind us that trust, community, and a listening ear can make a real difference in the lives of young people. ~ Holly Phillis & Bendigo Team

In September, we came together to celebrate Multicultural Day at Street Peace — and what a feast it was! Food has an amazing way of bringing people together, reminding us that every culture, every dish, and every story has value. A huge thank you to everyone who made the day possible: · Anita – for the heartwarming lasagna · Anna – for the sweet chocolate ripple cake · AJ – for her baked goods · Aunty Jay – for her support in the kitchen · Aunty Pari – for the steam puddings · Wade – for the banana keke · Nat – for the Peruvian chicken · Aunty Lilly – for the chop suey & rice, raw fish, raro donuts, banana poke, and sticky date pudding A special shoutout to Island TYM and Nandos for joining in the celebrations!  Multiculturalism matters deeply for disenfranchised youth because it shows them that identity is not lost — it’s celebrated . When young people see their cultures honoured and shared, it builds pride, belonging, and unity . At Street Peace, we believe that every culture reflects God’s creativity, and together, we make up a richer, stronger family.

At Street Peace, this September we walked alongside our young people through the powerful theme of accountability. We explored thought-provoking questions with the youth: What choices did you make? Did you own them? Were you controlled by the choices of your past? Did you live in freedom? Did you live without shame? For many disengaged youth, accountability wasn’t just about saying “my bad.” It was about building trust, owning their path, and stepping into a future defined not by mistakes, but by growth. It was a journey of taking responsibility, learning, and discovering the freedom that comes from being honest with themselves and others. Testimony Spotlight One young person we support took steps to turn their life around. Together with a Street Peace advocate, this youth engaged with services and authorities, working through their past charges, growing in maturity. By embracing accountability, this youth is learning to take responsibility for their actions and is focused on building a brighter future. Thank you for standing with us as we created safe spaces for these conversations to happen. Together, we helped young people realise that accountability led to freedom.