More than a hundred Youturn supporters to the “Big Hearts for Tiny Homes” project gathered on-site at Tewantin to launch the brand-new homes coming to site for transitional youth housing.

A crowd favourite was speaker Angie Mansie who shared her own story as a local teenager who experienced homelessness from 14 years old after her parents separated and she provided a poignant reminder not to leave anyone behind.

“I slept at school friends’ houses on couches, sharing bunk beds, in old caravans and even in some school bag racks until I found my feet and got my own home,

“As a teenager I just wanted to fit in and be the same as my friends, not the homeless kid, and so I remember feeling absolutely mortified that someone could find out my situation,” Angie said.

Now a multiple award-winning Sunshine Coast business owner, who is a confident public speaker, advocate and philanthropist for various causes, Angie really got to the heart of the matter and value of the tiny homes project.

“These tiny homes will mean allowing young people in need to keep their dignity and get the help they desperately need at dire times, darn brilliant!,” Angie said.

Everyone in attendance had helped bring this project towards fruition over a two-year journey.

Major partners Noosa Council, Unity Water and Aussie Tiny Houses, along with donors Waves of Kindness, Buderim Foundation, Building Design Queensland and Whitehouse Foundation were acknowledged for their significant contributions.

The many individuals, groups and volunteers rolling up their sleeves to pitch in to get the site ready, including Noosa Community Training Centre construction trainees working on-site for the last two months, underpinned the partner contributions.

Public area suppliers and trades who gifted Youturn goods and services: Christie BBQ, Page Furniture, Landmark Products, Coolcrete Constructions and HGM Group, created a wonderful outdoor kitchen adjacent the residential homes.

It was a whole of community effort following Angie’s advice to “not leave anyone behind”. Now we can’t wait to handover tenancy of the first tiny home to a young person or family in need.