Contributions from the corporate community come in all shapes and sizes. From Christmas hamper donations and Daggy Jumper Day fundraisers to pro bono legal advice on lease agreements, policy developments, and governance practices. For more than a decade, our partner MinterEllison has supported BYS in all these ways – and so much more.
Supporting behind the scenes
While BYS has supported vulnerable young people and young families over the years, MinterEllison has been there, generously giving time, skills and expertise behind the scenes.
In October 2024, BYS will open the doors to its new, purpose-built Youth Support Centre on Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley. The team at MinterEllison was critical in making this possible, negotiating the lease agreement and fit-out contracts for this exciting and much-needed new space.
Last year, the law and professional services firm also played a key role in helping develop the peppercorn lease for our new Young Women, Families, and Safe Relationships Centre in Greenslopes. The centre provides a safe space for pregnant young women and young families to access trauma-informed support.
Left to right: Amilia and Leanne from MinterEllison with John from PIF at the Falconer No. 2 Working Bee; Minter Ellison clerks event; Famin from Minter Ellison at the 2023 Christmas Hampers delivery
More than just legal support
Beyond legal support, the team at MinterEllison hasn’t been afraid to don a daggy jumper or roll up its sleeves to give hands-on support for young people doing it tough.
In fact, Robert Reed OAM, Pro Bono And Community Senior Manager at MinterEllison, was BYS’s original “Duke of Dag”, sporting the winning daggiest jumper back in 2013. He has since joined the Daggy Jumper judging panel to determine the annual runway victor.
Earlier this year, volunteers from the firm also joined our working bee at Falconer House – turning a vacant house into a home for four young people experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, BYS has been honoured to participate in MinterEllison’s bi-annual clerkship program, inspiring a new generation of lawyers to give back to the local community.
This year, the firm donated funds for clerks to purchase therapeutic items for use in our new Youth Support Centre consulting rooms. These donations will help create welcoming spaces for the young people and families who seek support from BYS.
When not reviewing contracts or donning silly sweaters, people from MinterEllison can be found dropping off record numbers of Christmas hamper donations for young people each year.
Left to right: BYS workers Cooper and Lucy with Minter Ellison donations; Daggy Jumper Day judges
Creating new futures – together
BYS CEO Pam Barker says MinterEllison has been instrumental in creating new futures for young people in need.
“MinterEllison’s contributions extend far beyond their legal expertise; they embody the spirit of collaboration and community. Their hands-on involvement and innovative support have not only facilitated our projects, but have also empowered young people to envision brighter futures. Together, we are making strides in breaking the cycle of homelessness and creating lasting change.
“We are incredibly grateful for MinterEllison’s ongoing generosity, expertise, and unwavering support. We look forward to continuing our partnership and making a positive impact together.”
Robert Reed says MinterEllison’s Pro Bono & Community Program is all about channeling their resources into focus areas such as empowering youth and addressing homelessness.
“We ensure the effectiveness of our activities by partnering with organisations that have on-the-ground knowledge of and experience in our focus areas. For that reason, we are honoured to work alongside an organisation like BYS and there is a wide spread of people right across our Brisbane office involved in that work. We know that whatever we do to assist BYS will contribute to the tremendous work that it does for vulnerable young Queenslanders and we find that incredibly rewarding and inspiring.”
BYS is proud to partner with like-minded organisations that share our commitment to helping vulnerable young people at risk or experiencing homelessness. Learn more about how your organisation can get involved today.