7 February 2008
LET’S MAKE 2008 THE YEAR OF HARALD’S HOUSE

Harald’s House has received the best new year's present it could have hoped for – the pledge of a block of land vital to move the project forward in 2008.

The news of a firm commitment by a local developer was revealed to members of the Harald’s House Committee this week as they met to discuss the project's future.

Harald Falge, founder of Street Level Youth Care and the inspiration for Harald's House, said he was "over the moon".

"Our Committee has been advised suitable land has been identified and offered by a generous local benefactor to be the new site for Harald’s House," Dr Falge said.

"Subject to the normal planning and council approval process, we hope to be turning the first sod and starting construction of the house this year.

"There is a still a long way to go but securing the land was the major obstacle we needed to overcome. This is the best indication yet that 2008 will be the year in which Harald’s House will begin to be built by and for the community of Cairns."

Without revealing the location or seeking to pr--empt council processes, the land is ideally situated in a former cane paddock in the southern growth corridor close to sporting and community facilities.

Committee chairperson Charlie McKillop said work would begin immediately on an application for planning approval and design by a project management team spearheaded by Cr Terry James and Conics (formerly C&B Consultants).

1 May 2007
CONGRATULATIONS FAR NORTH QLD!

Together we are well on the way to making Harald’s House a reality.

More than 320 people packed the Brothers Leagues Club to attend the inaugural Harald’s First Supper on April 28 raising a massive $30,000 for Harald’s House.

This took our grand total up to $260,000 in the bank and still earning interest. The generosity and spirit of our community came out in full force behind Harald and it augers very well for the future of the project. We believe the community can and will do this together!

The event – which included a “This Is Your Life” style surprise for Harald – raised enormous awareness and goodwill as people realised the wonderful work Harald and his team have done for street kids over the past 16 years. For more photos and news, check out the Street Level Youth Care website on www.streetlevelyouthcare.org.au

Harald’s House Committee chair Charlie McKillop said the project was moving into an exciting phase with negotiations well underway to secure an ideal block of land for the house. Through the generosity of the local community and with future pledges of support from trades and service providers, we hope Harald’s House will soon become a reality.

We are very grateful for the wonderful Cairns businesses, schools and community groups who continue to support our project. The Cairns Police Drug Squad, headed up by Detective Sgt Mick Dowie, is also a driving force.

Harald’s House also welcomes the support of our media partners – The Cairns Sun community newspaper, WIN Television and Radio 4CA – whose contribution was instrumental in the success of Harald’s First Supper.

“We are really pleased with the way the profile of Harald’s House has continued to build in the Cairns region,” Charlie said. “Harald now gets phone calls every week from people and groups wanting to be involved in making Harald’s House happen.

“It is a great feeling knowing this project has been driven by people in our community who want to make a difference to the lives of kids who have not had the love and support that all children should be able to take for granted,” she said.

As our motto states, Harald’s House is vital to breaking the cycle of homelessness.

It will mean young people with nowhere to go will have a safe and secure home. This is critical in turning a kid’s life around because it means they can take the next step towards employment and educational opportunities that are not available when they are sleeping on the streets.

If you would like to contribute in any way to build Harald's House, please contact Harald'’s House chair Charlie McKillop on 0406 699 506. New committee members are always welcome and donations gratefully accepted at Cairns Penny Savings & Loans (opposite the Grafton Street post office).