street-peace

Darwin Launch Gaining Momentum

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:44:51 GMT

Street Peace Darwin

Over the past nine months, something powerful has been building in Darwin. What started as a small, consistent weekly prayer gathering has grown into a united movement of believers from across six different churches — including Anglican, Baptist and Pentecostal communities — coming together with one focus: contending for the young people of the city.

While the heart has always been to pray for disengaged youth, the systems surrounding them, and the launch of Street Peace in Darwin, the group has become much more than that. It has developed into a place of strengthening — equipping people in intercession, building faith, and encouraging one another to step into action.

That action is now well underway.

Recently, an initial Street Peace Outreach Info Night was held, featuring a live Zoom call with the Frankston team. Around 14–16 people attended, many of whom have now stepped forward to be part of the mission. From that night, a committed outreach team of 14 has formed — now serving weekly in rotating teams.

After months of prayer, seeking direction, and spending time “scouting” the streets, a clear pathway opened.

A weekly Friday night outreach has now officially launched. The model is simple but intentional: one team creates a safe and welcoming space with pizza, music, and games, while another team walks the surrounding shopping centre — meeting young people where they are, building connection, and inviting them into community.

It’s already proving to be powerful.

Both the prayer group and outreach teams have also been walking the streets together in prayer — covering key locations, building spiritual ownership, and often encountering young people along the way. These moments have led to genuine conversations, opportunities for prayer, and the beginning of trusted relationships.

And this is just the beginning.

In the coming weeks, a team from Street Peace Frankston will travel to Darwin to invest into the launch. The visit will include an Info Session with invited pastors, churches, local government representatives and police, as well as Friday night outreach, team connection dinners, a worship night, prayer walks, and ministry across local churches.

There is a growing sense that something significant is unfolding — not just a program, but a movement of hope, unity, and transformation.

As Anamika, Street Peace Darwin's Team Leader, shared:

“Our hope and prayer is that the disengaged youth of Darwin personally discover Jesus Christ as their salvation — which means forgiveness, healing, deliverance, wholeness and safety — and have their own ‘Nest’ here in Darwin where they can rest, have fun, connect with mentors, and start growing in what it means to be sons and daughters of the King.”

From prayer rooms to shopping centres, from conversations to community — the foundation is being laid. And the story of Street Peace in Darwin is just getting started.

The Nest & The Hub – January and February Themes

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:54:50 GMT

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.

Street Peace Bendigo Brings Joy and Connection This Christmas

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:09:06 GMT

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

Our Street Peace Christmas night in Bendigo was truly special, filled with fun, laughter, and great energy. As the summer heat lingered, we gathered in a small shaded area of the mall, creating a relaxed and welcoming space where everyone could cool off with plenty of cold drinks and enjoy sausages in bread together.

The kids had an absolute blast playing pass-the-parcel, with lots of laughs, cheering, and shared excitement. Moments like these created an easy sense of connection and joy, breaking down barriers and allowing relationships to grow naturally.

As part of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, we also shared a “Happy Birthday Jesus” cake, taking a moment to reflect on hope, love, and the reason behind the season.

Overall, it was a joyful and meaningful night that created space for connection, fun, and a strong sense of belonging. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside young people in Bendigo and create moments where they feel seen, valued, and included—especially during the Christmas season.

With Love,

Taj, Holly & Brock

This Christmas, No One Was Left out

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 02:17:18 GMT

A family celebration!

On Wednesday 17 ^th 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.

The night was packed with laughter, connection, and fun. Karaoke had the whole room singing along, the piñata brought out everyone’s competitive side, and the photo booth was buzzing with costumes, confidence, and creativity. In the middle of it all, our Street Peace team presented a Christmas story play — a creative, heartfelt “street” version retelling that reminded everyone of the hope, love, and light at the heart of the season.

This celebration also marked something special: 50 weeks of showing up for our youth community in 2025. Week after week, Street Peace has built a place of consistency, safety, and relationship and this night was a powerful reflection of that journey.

For some of our young people, this was the only Christmas celebration they experienced this year. A moment of joy and togetherness that isn’t always possible within their own lives and exactly why nights like this matter so much.

At Street Peace, we are building a community where this is possible.
Where family is a gift given, not something earned.
Where meals are shared, laughter is loud, and young people are reminded that hope and light are real and reachable.

Thank you to every volunteer, supporter, donor, and community partner who made this night possible. Because of you, Christmas wasn’t just remembered — it was felt .

This is Street Peace.

From Buses to Breakthroughs: Street Peace Gippsland Report

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:23:02 GMT

building trust, changing streets

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. We all ride together and regroup in Morwell for pizza around 5pm, usually feeding 15–20 youth each week.

Last month we also stepped into a few important community spaces following the tragic loss of a local young person. Simply being present at these events meant a lot, not just to our youth but to the wider community. We handed out more than 100 bottles of water at the Justice for Kaiden march and helped serve over 200 people at his funeral and wake.

We also attended a Crime & Community Safety Forum where Shadow Minister for Police, David Southwick MP, invited ideas from the community. I was able to share who Street Peace is and what we do. He loved our approach, and straight after the Deputy Mayor introduced herself and invited us to speak on her weekly local radio program.

On top of that, we received an incredible donation from The Sixth Child, Nike shoes and tracksuit pants for our youth. We gifted them last week in exchange for completing a quick questionnaire. It turned out to be a perfect ice-breaker, helped us understand them better, and the young people were genuinely grateful.

As a team, we’re so excited for what’s ahead. The relationships we’ve built in such a short time have grown stronger than we could’ve imagined, and the community is noticing too. People often stop us just to say we’re doing something good, those moments mean a lot.

God bless,
Brionhey & Josh Hagen + Gippsland Team

Street Peace Bendigo: Building Connection One Pizza Night at a Time

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:02:37 GMT

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

Celebrating Culture at Street Peace

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:41:26 GMT

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.

September Focus: Accountability

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:53:32 GMT

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.

Outreach Nights Bringing Connection, Faith & Transformation

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:08:07 GMT

STREET PEACE BENDIGO update

Wednesday night pizza nights in Bendigo have quickly become something really special for us. Each week, we’re seeing between 15 and 40 young people, with lots of them coming back regularly and new ones showing up all the time.

We start the night with games and chats while the pizzas are cooking, then gather everyone for a prayer circle before digging in. The atmosphere is always full of laughter, connection, and honest conversation. We make it a priority to make sure no one’s left out, and it’s been so encouraging watching relationships form and grow so naturally.

Our core team—us (Taj and Holly), along with Brock, Emi, and Liam—are backed by an amazing volunteer crew. Right now, we’ve got about 10 more people going through the process to become official Street Peace youth mentors, and most weeks we have between 4 and 8 leaders helping out. The Bendigo community has really rallied behind this—one local business has committed to donating all the pizzas moving forward (such a blessing!), and five local churches have jumped on board to help with volunteers. We even had the chance to meet the Mayor and share the vision and heart behind Street Peace here in Bendigo.

We’ve seen God move in such powerful ways already. One night, a boy with a bruised, painful finger was prayed for and healed instantly. Another boy’s back pain disappeared after prayer, which opened the door for us to share the gospel—and that night, three young people gave their lives to Jesus. Moments like that have been happening right in the middle of games, laughter, and pizza—reminding us that God meets people exactly where they are.

Things are growing quickly. On July 30th, we had our biggest night yet with 40 youth! We’re seeing so much consistency too—young people returning week after week, opening up more, and building trust. Every Wednesday we’re watching fun, connection, faith, and transformation unfold—and we can’t wait to see what God does next.

give now to street peace benidgo

“In Bendigo, we’ve been hearing more and more about youth crime—but not many solutions. After seeing how Street Peace in Frankston transformed lives through love, community, and connection, I wanted to see the same here.

I love having the opportunity to see and serve these young people the way Jesus sees them. Matthew 25:40 reminds me that loving ‘the least of these’ is loving Him. It’s a joy and an honour to share the love of the Father with the fatherless.”

~ Taj

Taj’s “Why”

Holly’s Heart for the Youth

“I work part-time at a local swim school and dance studio, and also serve as the admin for Street Peace Bendigo. What first drew me in was the genuine, relational approach—meeting young people where they’re at, building real connection, and showing Jesus’ love through action.

My heart is for family, and I want disadvantaged youth in Bendigo to be surrounded by loving, supportive people who can become the family they may never have had. Every young person deserves to be seen, valued, and set up for a better future.”

~ Holly

give now to street peace benidgo

Team Changes, Same Heart

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 02:45:09 GMT

Street Peace Gippsland Update

Massive thanks to Brendan and Serena for the incredible groundwork they built in Moe! As they take some time to focus on family and health, we (Brionhey and Josh Hagen) have stepped in to lead the Street Peace team across the wider Gippsland region.

We’ve shifted our name from Street Peace Moe to Street Peace Gippsland as we broaden our outreach into Morwell and Traralgon as well as Moe, exploring where young people are hanging out before we open a dedicated youth hub.

Originally from Frankston, we’ve lived in Gippsland for the past five years. After seeing the life-changing impact of Street Peace in Frankston, we knew something like this was deeply needed here too. As parents of teens and with lived experience similar to some of the youth we meet, our heart is simple: show love, break cycles, and create safe spaces.

We recently shared our vision at Eternity Church and had a powerful meeting with Martin Cameron, our local MP. Every Wednesday, we're still out on the streets feeding youth pizza and building trust. A highlight has been de-escalating a potential violent bus incident in Morwell—the bus driver was grateful, and peace was restored.

Thanks for backing us as we keep showing up for young people in Gippsland.

Brionhey & Josh

give now to street peace gippsland

Rebuilding TRUST, One Moment at a Time

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:10:15 GMT

July at the Nest

This month at The Nest Youth Night and In-Reach Hub, we’ve been leaning into a theme that hits close to home for many of our young people: TRUST .

For youth who’ve faced broken relationships, betrayal, or chaos in their home lives, the word trust isn’t thrown around lightly. It’s not assumed — it’s earned. And we’re here for that journey.

Through deep conversations, creative activities, and plenty of real talk, we’ve been unpacking questions like:

· What does trust really look like?

· What breaks it?

· And how do we rebuild it?

It hasn’t been surface-level. It’s been raw, honest, and powerful. And we’re already seeing the fruit:

Walls coming down
Honest stories being shared
Friendships being restored
Confidence growing
A stronger sense of belonging blooming

“You can’t rush trust — it takes time, consistency, and a whole lot of showing up. But when a young person starts to trust you… that’s when the real healing begins,” said Gina, The Nest Coordinator. “This month has been full of those breakthrough moments — the ones that remind you why this work matters.”

At Street Peace, we’re not just talking about trust — we’re practising it. Every hug, every conversation, every time we follow through — it’s shaping something deeper. Our young people are learning that maybe, just maybe, people can be safe. Community can be solid. And they can trust again — not just others, but also themselves.

Thank you for believing in this mission with us. Let’s keep showing up.

School Holiday Highlights

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:43:45 GMT

Girls Pamper Night – A Safe Space to Be Seen

For many of the young women we walk alongside at Street Peace, life rarely makes space for rest or reflection. That’s why our Girls Pamper Night was so much more than face masks and beauty treatments — it was a moment to breathe, feel safe, and simply be.

The night was filled with warmth and love as community leaders and volunteers offered massages, henna art, free haircuts and braiding, chocolate fondue, and heartfelt conversation. Claire, one of our Street Peace mentors, shared simple but powerful tools like breathing exercises and journaling to help the girls manage their emotions and reduce anxiety.

“For some of these girls, this was the first time in a long time they felt safe enough to let their guard down. It wasn’t just about pampering — it was about honouring their worth and reminding them that they are seen, known, and deeply valued,” said Claire, Street Peace Mentor.

These moments are the heartbeat of what we do. When girls experience unconditional care in a judgement-free zone, walls fall, hearts open, and transformation begins. Shout out to all the incredible women who turned up to love, serve, and empower the next generation of young women. You made it unforgettable.

Boys Holiday Pool Day – Brotherhood Over 8-Ball

Why It Matters

Whether it’s pamper nights or pool halls, every program is crafted with purpose — to create safe, nurturing spaces for young people to be themselves, process life, and know they belong.

Thank you to every donor, volunteer, and community member who helped make these holiday programs a reality. This is what Street Peace is all about — showing up, building trust, and sparking change that lasts.

A Night of Honour: Ash’s Farewell & Circuit Riders Visit

matilda@mesmeriseco.com (Matilda Sutherland) — Fri, 30 May 2025 04:57:52 GMT

Earlier this month, Street Peace’s Frankston Nest Hub was filled with energy, gratitude, and heartfelt moments as we welcomed the Circuit Rider Pacific team as part of their Australia tour. Among them was one of our 2024 interns, Sophie Grigg, whose return carried special meaning for the team and the community alike.

From the moment they stepped into the space, the Circuit Riders brought a spirit of warmth and servant-heartedness. With a clear passion for outreach and youth, they threw themselves into the heart of our community—welcoming new young people with open arms, genuine care, and a beautiful lack of agenda. What unfolded was far more than a visit; it was a convergence of people, purpose, and presence that left a lasting impact on our youth and team.

The night also held deep significance for another reason—it marked the farewell of one of Street Peace’s founding leaders, Ash Schofield, who spent his final evening with us before stepping into a new chapter.

For many of the young people we serve, goodbyes are often marked by pain, silence, and abandonment. But Ash’s farewell stood in powerful contrast. It was intentional, honour-filled, and surrounded by community—filled with gratitude, laughter, and heartfelt celebration.

Ash, alongside Jay Shelling, helped pioneer Street Peace back in 2019. Since then, he has walked faithfully with our young people through the highs and lows, building trust, nurturing resilience, and embodying the kind of love that heals. He was never just a mentor—he became family to many. His story and presence are living proof that the past does not have to define the future, and that with love and consistency, transformation is possible.

The evening was as creative as it was emotional. Youth from the Nest crafted a handmade photo collage album for Ash, filled with memories from years gone by. One of the most moving moments came when youth mentor Junior Poe led a rap tribute—written and performed by the young people themselves. The raw emotion in the performance brought Ash to tears and reflected the deep bond he had formed with those he served.

In a beautiful full-circle moment, the night drew back many young people who had once been part of the Nest. They returned—some from far afield—just to say thank you. Their presence spoke louder than words, a powerful testimony to the impact of a mentor who chose to stay, to care, and to invest in people over the long haul.

To the Circuit Rider Pacific team—thank you. Your presence helped us honour Ash well and made the evening even more memorable. It was a night of family, faithfulness, and legacy—one that reminded us all of what it means to love deeply and lead with honour.

Street Peace Joins Student Leadership Event

matilda@mesmeriseco.com (Matilda Sutherland) — Fri, 30 May 2025 04:57:50 GMT

In May, Street Peace Outreach Worker Gina had the privilege of participating in a leadership event hosted by Carrum Downs Secondary College. The event brought together students eager to learn more about what it means to be a leader in their community.

Gina shared her experiences working with at-risk youth, offering insights into servant leadership, resilience, and the power of positive influence. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, engage in open conversation, and reflect on how they too can make a difference.

It was a meaningful time of connection, with stories shared and encouragement offered to the next generation of changemakers.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Carrum Downs Secondary College for welcoming us and allowing us to share the vision and values behind Street Peace. These moments of engagement are powerful reminders of the importance of investing in young leaders and walking alongside them with love, hope, and purpose.

The Power of Presence: A Holiday to Remember

matilda@mesmeriseco.com (Matilda Sutherland) — Fri, 30 May 2025 04:57:49 GMT

Earlier this month, Street Peace hosted a transformative holiday program that gave disengaged youth a rare and powerful gift: the chance to experience peace, joy, and connection in a safe, supportive environment. Set against the serene backdrop of the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs, the day was more than just a break from routine—it was a step toward healing.

Guided by trusted mentors—adults worth imitating—young people were invited to relax, reflect, and reset. For some, this was their first time experiencing such calm and care. Through gentle conversations, shared meals, and moments of laughter, the experience helped bridge the gap between past trauma and future hope, sowing seeds of healing and possibility.

Falling within the same week as ANZAC Day, the timing was deeply significant. As a nation paused to reflect on sacrifice, service, and honour, we at Street Peace acknowledged not only those who gave their lives in war, but also those who continue to serve in quieter ways—our mentors, volunteers, and supporters who walk alongside young people every day. Their presence helps to rewrite painful stories and inspire futures marked by hope, resilience, and purpose.

Bless the Nest: Easter Reflections

Wed, 21 May 2025 04:50:10 GMT

This Easter season, our Frankston hub—affectionately known as The Nest—has been buzzing with life. From laughter bouncing off the walls to heartfelt conversations and shared meals, it’s been a time of connection, community, and growth.

In the lead-up to Easter, we’ve seen the power of mentoring and belonging in action. One of our regulars—a 17-year-old young lady who’s been journeying with us for some time—gifted us a cushion that reads “Bless this Nest.” It now rests in our Wednesday night space (5:30–8pm), a simple but powerful reminder of the love and transformation that flows through this place. Her gift speaks volumes about the impact of consistent care, encouragement, and community.

As we celebrated both Easter and Passover, the youth were reminded that true freedom looks like this: people coming together, growing in hope, and creating space for healing and purpose. It’s about generosity, shared stories, and lives restored—one moment, one conversation, one act of kindness at a time.

SP Threads Sparking Conversations & Healing Hearts

petar@mesmeriseco.com (Petar Petrovic) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:08:58 GMT

At Street Peace, we’ve always believed that clothing is more than just what you wear—it’s a statement of who you are and what you stand for. That’s why our Love Wins collection was created not just as streetwear, but a way to carry messages of peace, hope, and transformation into everyday life.

Since launching our latest collection; Love Wins we’ve been overwhelmed by the stories of how these designs are opening doors for deep conversations and sparking change in our communities. Each piece carries a message that invites people to think, question, and reflect.

One of the most talked-about designs has been the End Knife Fights tee. While, on the surface, it speaks to the urgency of ending street violence, its meaning runs even deeper. The imagery isn’t just about conflict—it’s about healing. The design reflects the truth that God is the gardener of our hearts, binding up our wounds, pruning what is broken, and cultivating new life where pain once took root.

A Powerful Start to 2025

petar@mesmeriseco.com (Petar Petrovic) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:04:39 GMT

Stories from The Nest

As The Nest reopened its doors in January, it quickly became clear that 2025 would be a year of deep connection, growth, and transformation for the youth in our community. Each week, The Nest has been a place of belonging, learning, and breakthrough moments.

8 January – A Place to Call Home

Street Peace kicked off the year with open arms—literally. As soon as The Nest reopened, youth rushed in, embracing the team with hugs that felt like home. The moment was a powerful reminder that The Nest is more than just a space; it’s a refuge where young people know they are loved, heard, and valued.

15 January – Choosing the Right Company

Team members, Gina and Jay led a powerful discussion on how bad company corrupts a good heart. Youth openly shared their experiences with negative influences and explored what it means to seek out positive relationships. One young person shared her journey of slowly letting go of toxic friendships while searching for new, healthier connections. The session reinforced the importance of courage in stepping away from harmful environments.

The night also included a 17th birthday celebration and a generous donation of hair products from Warrick at Project Fresh Start—a practical gift that meant a lot to the youth.

22 January – Taking Off the Mask

Jay challenged the youth to reflect on the “masks” people wear—not physical ones, but the emotional facades of fear, pride, and pretense. He reminded everyone that true freedom begins with authenticity. The message encouraged young people to embrace their true selves, knowing they are fully seen and loved just as they are.

29 January – Rejoicing and Weeping Together

At Street Peace, we don’t just celebrate victories—we also sit in the struggles with our youth. A powerful reminder to set the tone for a week of deep reflection, encouragement, and community-building. The Nest continues to be a place where young people are met with unconditional support, whether they’re celebrating a win or facing a tough moment.

5 February – Walking the Streets with Purpose

Beyond the walls of The Nest, Street Peace is making an impact on the streets. Walking alongside young people in their everyday spaces—outside the servo, in alleyways, on park benches—mentors are bringing hope, one step at a time. These moments, though small, are significant. Consistency, presence, and authentic connection are what truly change lives. Street Peace isn’t just about stopping violence and breaking cycles of trauma—it’s about creating a culture where youth feel valued, seen, and loved.

As we continue into 2025, Street Peace remains committed to walking with young people—both figuratively and literally—showing up, speaking life, and building a movement of peace.

Want to be part of the change? Support Street Peace through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Every effort makes a difference in shaping a better future for our youth. Give Now.

Street Peace Spreads Christmas Joy

petar@mesmeriseco.com (Petar Petrovic) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:57:22 GMT

Street Peace wrapped up 2024 with a heartwarming Christmas celebration at The Nest, bringing together over 70 young people for a night filled with joy, connection, and festive spirit.

The event, held earlier this month, was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication of Street Peace volunteers and community supporters who worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere. From preparing meals to setting up decorations, their efforts ensured that every attendee felt a sense of love and belonging during the holiday season.

“A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers and extra helpers who made this event possible,” said Jay Shelling, Street Peace Founder. “Seeing the youth laughing, connecting, and simply enjoying themselves reminds us why we do what we do.”

The evening was made even more memorable with a special contribution from David at Celebrations Photobooth Hire, who has generously supported Street Peace for the past few years by capturing these unforgettable moments.

In the spirit of giving, each young person received a bag of lollies or chocolate, a limited-edition Street Peace beach towel, and a pair of Street Peace sunglasses—gifts that were met with excitement and gratitude.

Reflecting on the past year, Street Peace highlighted the incredible progress made in its programs and the lasting impact on the lives of young people in the Frankston and the Moe regions.

“This year has been transformational. The growth and positive change we’ve witnessed in the lives of these young people is a direct result of the generosity and support from our community,” Jay shared.

Jay extended its deepest appreciation to donors, supporters, and volunteers, emphasizing that their contributions go beyond financial aid or volunteer hours. “You are planting seeds of hope, identity, and belonging in the hearts of these young people, and the impact is truly beautiful.”

As the organisation looks ahead to 2025, it remains committed to fostering transformation and empowerment among at-risk youth.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Street Peace relies on the generosity of the community to continue its vital work with at-risk youth. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your support makes a real impact.

If you’d like to get involved or contribute, contact us today.

Together, we can bring hope, transformation, and peace to more young lives in 2025!

Opportunities Ahead for SP WORX

petar@mesmeriseco.com (Petar Petrovic) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:12:40 GMT

We’re thrilled to announce the completion of our biggest commercial project yet! Partnering with Harris HMC and the Victorian School Building Authority, SP Worx helped build a new kindergarten at Atherton Gardens in Fitzroy. Our work included creating a rubber-surfaced basketball court, concrete paths, retaining walls, a sandpit, swing set, garden beds, and other landscape features.

This project was not without its challenges, but our team rose to the occasion, gaining valuable skills and experience along the way. Significantly, this project brought Director Jay Shelling back to his early days of youth outreach in the Fitzroy commission house flats—a meaningful full-circle moment as he now works to build a new culture for the young people in this community.

As we look ahead, we’re actively seeking new work opportunities for the new year. SP Worx continues to network and grow relationships in the social enterprise and construction industries, believing that new doors will open soon.

We’re also on the lookout for a new part-time staff member to support our business operations, project management, and tendering processes. Thank you for your continued support as we work to create meaningful opportunities and transform lives through our projects.

Learn more about SP Worx

OVER 140 YOUTH CONNECTIONS ON THE STREETS OF BENDIGO

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:52:41 GMT

A powerful collaboration between Street Peace and Bendigo churches led to 141 youth connections during two hours of street outreach in this city last Saturday. 10 church communities came together in this united effort with over 50 attendees, all working towards a common goal of building hope, connection, and purpose for at-risk youth.

The day was filled with youth-focused workshops, inspiring conversations, and shared meals, showcasing the strength of community and the impact of working together. Street Peace Founder Jay Shelling said, “Through this partnership, Street Peace and the churches of Bendigo are planting seeds for transformation and creating lasting change in the lives of local youth.”

If you’d like to get involved with Street Peace Bendigo, please contact us.

Latest Update from Street Peace Moe

petar@mesmeriseco.com (Petar Petrovic) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:51:23 GMT

Street Peace Moe Launches Inspiring Girls Group – 23 August

This week marked the exciting launch of our girls’ group in partnership with Moe New Life, bringing together a small but mighty group of young women for a night of empowerment and creativity. With 4 leaders, 3 from Street Peace and 1 from Moe New Life, we gathered with 5 young girls on Wednesday night to explore the theme of worth, focusing on the affirmation, “I am valuable.”

The evening kicked off with a deep dive into scripture, grounding the discussion in the message that each girl is uniquely loved and valued. As part of the night’s activities, the group crafted homemade scrubs using olive oil, brown sugar, honey, and essential oils—a delightful and nourishing self-care moment that brought joy and laughter to the room. (Highly recommend this recipe for your next girls’ night! Check it out here: Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe ).

The theme for the week ahead is “I am one of a kind,” where we’ll continue exploring self-worth by recognizing the special qualities that make each young woman a masterpiece, as reflected in Ephesians 2:10.

Giving Back: Clothes and Toiletries for Girls in Need – 30 August

At this week’s girls group, we were also able to bless a few of our young girls with clothing and toiletries. Their joy and gratitude were palpable, and we are thankful for the opportunity to meet not just their spiritual needs, but also their practical ones.

A powerful part of the evening involved time spent in front of the mirror, as we encouraged the girls to consider what Father God sees as beautiful in them. This session focused on inner beauty, allowing the girls to reflect on the wonderful qualities that make them unique. It was truly a touching experience to watch them begin to see themselves through the eyes of love and acceptance. We look forward to continuing this journey of self-discovery with them.

Street Peace BBQ Outreach and Skate Fun in Moe – 31 August

Street Peace Moe turned up the heat—literally—with an epic BBQ outreach, making waves in the community! A massive thank you to Pascal from @sumoskatestore for donating a skateboard as a prize for our youth. Brendan kept the energy levels high with some thrilling skate competitions that had everyone on their feet, cheering and laughing.

As the grill sizzled, we handed out plenty of food, making sure no one went home hungry. The BBQ wasn’t just about the food though—it was about connecting with the youth, building trust, and creating a space where they feel seen and supported. It’s these moments of shared fun and connection that build the foundation for lasting relationships.

Skatepark Birthday Bash in Moe: A Huge Success! – 28 September

The Moe skatepark was buzzing with excitement as the community came together to celebrate its first birthday in style! Hosted by Sumo Skate store, the event kicked off at 1pm and was packed with energy, smiles, and plenty of fun for all.

Street Peace was proud to be part of the celebration, serving up free food and connecting with the local youth. One of the highlights of the day was the incredible skateboard cake that wowed everyone in attendance. With music, skate competitions, and good vibes all around, the event was a great success.

It was a fantastic afternoon of community spirit, and we’re thankful to everyone who came out to celebrate with us! Moments like these remind us of the power of connection and the importance of supporting our local youth.