Herdsmans Cove is the home for a very exciting project by Build Up Tassie. On land granted by the Tasmanian Government, construction has begun on a four-bedroom home as part of an initiative to train and employ local young people.

Build Up Tassie is a work readiness program for vulnerable Tasmanians aged between 15 and 25. There’s a nine-week orientation program and an additional eight weeks of practical work across several trades.

Build Up Tassie Manager Adrian Broomhall says the Charity House project is an exciting opportunity. “We aim to build this house at as low a cost as possible and then be able to sell that home and make some mon­ey to reinvest back into Build Up Tassie to continue pro­viding a stable employment pathway for young people,” he explained.

Labour and materials have been donated by building suppliers to help keep costs low, with St Joseph Afford­able Homes taking the lead on the project management. “Anybody that has a pair of hands they’re happy to get dirty, or anybody that would like to contribute financially, we’re very willing to engage and strongly seek support for this journey,” says Adri­an.

Funds from the public sale of the completed house will support 50 young peo­ple to attend the program and provide them with an opportunity to further their careers in the building and construction industry. The charity house will also be utilised as a training site for Build Up Tassie participates and St Joseph Affordable Homes’ apprentices prior to being sold.

The Build Up Tassie Charity House project was officially launched at the Waterside Pavilion in Hobart on Friday 5 August 2022. To support the Build Up Tassie Charity House project or to find out more, visit www.buildup­tassie.com.au.