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The Southern Youth and Family Services (SYFS) is a non-for-profit charity that provides a range of services for children, young people, adults and families.

SYFS is based in Illawarra, Shoalhaven, South Coast, Cooma, Queanbeyan and Goulburn areas, all offering a large number of services and programs that support young people and families.

SYFS believes in young people and aims to support young people and their families to have positive lives and to be able to access resources and services to assist them.

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The organisation provides support services such as crisis, medium term and transitional supported accommodation, social housing, counselling, mediation, referral, information provision, court support, advocacy, encouragement, health advice, pre and postnatal care, drug and alcohol support and dietitian advice.

Along with programs such as living and social skills, personal care, healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, exercise and fitness, managing and keeping rental properties, homework support, job seeking and preparation for interviews, communication skills, music and songwriting, art and dance, culture and also other training courses.

Services can be delivered through drop in support, case management, case work, home visit, crisis intervention, early intervention, community development and community participation.

Social enterprises including a cleaning business, venue hire and a fabulous cafe. Which provides training and employment for young people.

A well-equipped recording studio and music room.

A brand new first class conference and event space that is available for corporate and private occasions. With first class seating and staging it can also be used for live shows and the performing arts alike, with enough space to cater to 300 people.

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Beautiful newly renovated and modernized properties to safe accommodation and social housing.

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Upcoming Event: Run Wollongong


Run Wollongong
returns on 18 April 2026, bringing runners of all ages and abilities together for one of the Illawarra’s most loved community events.

This year Southern Youth and Family Services is honoured to be a Charity Partner of this amazing community event, meaning that every registrant will have the opportunity to make a one-off donation or create a fundraising page to attract sponsorship. This money will be generously donated to SYFS to assist in funding their Employment, Education and Training program supporting vulnerable young people with career pathways.

Each Run Wollongong event is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Illawarra coastline. Participants can expect sweeping ocean views, fresh salty air and the unmatched energy of race day from start to finish. It is the perfect event for anyone looking to enjoy strong community vibes, feel good movement and that unforgettable finish line high.

With distances ranging from 2km, 5km, 10km, 21.1km and the full 42.2km marathon, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you are running with family, chasing a personal best, or simply there to soak up the atmosphere, this event welcomes all.

👉 Learn more and register here: https://runwollongong.com.au/

Looking for more information about Run Wollongong?

Click on the link below and let’s get started running!

External Link https://runwollongong.com.au/

Service in Focus: The M.E.T Cafe

The M.E.T (Meet, Eat and Treats) Cafe

A social enterprise providing support, training and employment to young people.

  • Serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake
  • Indoor and outdoor dining
  • Take away service
  • Catering also available
WE ARE NOW OPEN ON

Monday 8.30am to 2.30pm for TEA, COFFEE, HOT CHOCOLATE AND COOL DRINKS

Tuesday - SANDWICHES AND WRAPS

Wednesday to Friday - WE ARE SERVING FROM OUR MENU plus SPECIALS BOARD

PLEASE COME IN…WE TAKE BOOKINGS, PRE-ORDERS, AND TAKE AWAY ALSO AVAILABLE!

PLEASE PHONE 02 4295 8706

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SYFS SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS     

External Link M.E.T. Cafe Menu

View The Menu

The M.E.T Cafe a social enterprise supporting young people

External Link Take Away Menu

Give young people a chance

Help us help them. Sponsor, donate or become a volunteer.

Help Now

Working at SYFS - Opportunities and Career Pathways

The Southern Youth and Family Services (SYFS) team includes full time, part time, casual staff and volunteers with a broad set of experience and qualifications. Together as a team they work to bring their combined life experiences, training, qualifications and experience to the job in a way that creates positive change for the young people and their families we work with.

If you are energetic, inspired to help your community, have a strong sense of social justice...we want you.

We have a variety of options where you may be able to be involved with SYFS including:-

  • Volunteering
  • Casual Work
  • Current Vacancies

For more information about vacancies and to enquire about opportunities, please click on the link below.

External Link Career Opportunities

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