Guriilmal Ganya
Guriilmal Ganya (Safe House)
Guriilmal Ganya (Safe House), formerly known as the Great Lakes and Manning Youth Homelessness Service (GLAMYHS), provides crisis accommodation, transitional housing and outreach support for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the Mid North Coast.
‘Guriilmal Ganya‘ reflects Community Resources’ Aboriginal-led identity and strengthens the service’s connection to Country, community and culture. Drawn from Gathang, the language of the Worimi and Biripi people, Guriilmal Ganya translates to ‘Safe House’ and was approved for use by Worimi Elders Aunty Lynn and Aunty Mandy. The name also speaks directly to what the service provides: a safe, welcoming place for young people when they need it most.
Every day, the Guriilmal Ganya team works alongside young people facing homelessness, family breakdown, housing insecurity and other challenges. Beyond providing accommodation, the service supports young people to build independent living skills, reconnect with education and training, access healthcare and community services, secure employment and ultimately find safe and stable housing.
In FY26, Guriilmal Ganya provided 9,909 bed nights for young people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity – a 47.9% increase on FY25.
This work is increasingly important as housing pressure across the region continues to grow. The 2026 NSW Street Count recorded 63 people sleeping rough in the MidCoast LGA, up from 27 in 2025 – the third-largest increase recorded across NSW.
For young people experiencing housing instability, access to safe accommodation and ongoing support can be critical to moving from crisis towards longer-term stability.
Tahlia’s* Story
In 2023, Tahlia experienced a family breakdown that left her without a stable place to live. Over the following years, she faced significant challenges including trauma, mental health concerns and substance use while working towards a safer future for herself.
With support from Guriilmal Ganya and the Department of Communities and Justice, Tahlia accessed refuge accommodation, temporary housing and specialist support services, working closely with her caseworker as she rebuilt stability in her life.
During FY26, Tahlia reached a major turning point. Following the birth of her child and a period of family support, her baby returned to her care. Determined to create a secure home for her family, Tahlia and her caseworker applied for more than 30 rental properties before she secured a private rental tenancy in Taree.
With ongoing support to establish her new home, connect essential services and maintain her tenancy, Tahlia is now building a more stable future for herself and her child.
“The future is looking brighter thanks to housing,” Tahlia says.
More stories from Guriilmal Ganya
A young person experiencing family breakdown and couch surfing secured independent housing after four months of searching with support from Guriilmal Ganya. She maintained full-time employment throughout the process and continued to progress in her role as Duty Manager.
A 16-year-old Aboriginal young person moved from crisis accommodation into transitional housing after seven months of tailored support to develop the skills and confidence needed for independent living.
After returning to the Mid North Coast following an unsuccessful attempt to reconnect with family interstate, a young Aboriginal person received support to secure accommodation, update his resume and access training opportunities. He is now living independently in a private rental and often returns to encourage other young people on their own housing journeys.
A safe house can be the starting point. The work of Guriilmal Ganya is helping young people turn that safety into something lasting: a home, greater independence and a future they can shape for themselves.
