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.

Wednesday night pizza nights in Bendigo have quickly become something special. Each week, between 15 and 40 youth have been coming through the doors—many returning regularly, with new faces showing up all the time.

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.

During the school holidays, Street Peace ran powerful programs for our girls and boys, creating safe spaces for connection and care.

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.

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.

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.