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Kiara

Do you need help?

Kiara was named after the Lion Cub in ‘The Lion King’ and like that character has had to find her courage.

‘My journey has been a bit rough. There’s been on-and-off homelessness since I was 15. BYS has helped a lot with that. I was homeless, then I’d get into youth shelters with BYS, and then something would happen, and I’d go back on the streets, and then back to another youth shelter.

I left home three years ago …

When I was on the streets I picked up a drug habit and now I’ve been clean for over 1 and a half years … I was scared on the streets definitely, being a female, 15 years old, in the city and Fortitude Valley – on the weekends especially. I’ve had a lot of bad experiences on the street when I was younger.

[Now] I feel a lot better in myself, having a roof over my head. Just having a safe place to go. It means a lot.

BYS has helped me. I use their doctor service, and they’ve helped me with drug and alcohol [counselling], domestic violence, housing, food and blankets.

I’ve learnt new skills like basic everyday living skills. Budgeting, shopping, getting services. I’ve studied hospitality, bar-tending and front-of-house and back-of-house.

[When I was here in Sandgate] I helped paint the house, weeded the garden out the back and the front, I learned to cook cheap, decent, delicious meals. We have a youth worker from Bali and he teaches us his way of cooking food … like an omelette thing with vegetables and his “famous butter chicken”.

I made friends when I was here.

I’d like to work in disability care, or aged care, working in homes and helping them get around. I just like that kind of work. It makes me happy, being around those kinds of people.’

Kiara includes the Gubbi Gubbi tribe (in the Caboolture area) as part of her heritage, and is now exploring her interest in Indigenous dot painting. She has recently moved into her own place.

“I was scared on the streets definitely, being a female, 15 years old, in the city and Fortitude Valley – on the weekends especially. I’ve had a lot of bad experiences on the street when I was younger.”
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Brisbane Youth Service respectfully acknowledges the Turrbal and Jagera people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands where BYS operates.

We pay respect to their Elders past and present, lores, customs and creation spirits. BYS acknowledges and celebrates the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play within BYS and the community.

View our Reconciliation Action Plan
© 2025 Brisbane Youth Service Privacy
  • About Us
    • Our People
    • Quality, Research & Innovation
  • How We Help
    • Crisis & Immediate Support
    • Housing
    • Health
    • Young Women
    • Family Support
    • Other Support
    • Young Peoples Stories
    • Our Impact
  • Work With Us
    • Employee Value Proposition
    • Employment Opportunties
    • Board Opportunities
    • Volunteering
    • Student Placements
  • Support Us
    • Donate
    • Partner with Us
    • Fundraise
    • Leave a Gift in Your Will
    • Youth Homelessness Matters Day
    • Daggy Jumper Day
    • Appeal | Essie’s Story
  • News
    • All news
    • Publications
    • Homelessness & Young People – The Facts
    • Resources
  • Contact
    • Contact BYS
    • Need Help?
    • FAQ
    • Feedback and Complaints
  • Donate
  • Call Us
📢 July 2025 service update

There remains a very high demand for emergency accommodation for young people and young families in Brisbane. We are working hard to create more options, but many nights, all beds are at capacity.

Your phone call might not get answered straight away, however, if you leave a message, we will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you need support, we offer a walk-in service in the afternoons.

🚶‍➡️July walk-in hours

📅 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
⏰ 1 – 4 pm

Appointments only during other opening hours

Unfortunately, arriving at our service does not mean a guaranteed place to stay. We understand this is frustrating, and we will do our best to support you. When you arrive, we’ll discuss your options, which may include housing if available. We may also provide food, transport, crisis support, referrals, and other help that fits your needs.