Celebrating 60 years of yourtown

Since 1961, yourtown has been tackling the issues impacting the lives of young people in Australia. Today, these include mental health and unemployment, and issues like domestic and family violence.

60 years of yourtown

Over the past 60 years, things have evolved significantly. The services we deliver, the help we offer and the way we represent the voices of children and young people may have changed, but the energy, drive and innovation to create brighter futures remains a constant.

As we celebrate another milestone, our vision remains on the future and helping to empower young people across Australia.

"In a world of uncertainty, a resilient organisation will stay ahead of the curve and come out the other side stronger and ready for the next chapter."

- Tracy Adams, yourtown CEO

60 years of Yourtown Timeline

Two young men smile while posing side-by-side against a gray concrete brick wall, overlaid with a central pink circular play button.

"Honestly I feel like I could achieve anything now that I've joined yourtown ."

A smiling woman with curly brown hair wearing a blue and white patterned blouse sits with clasped hands outdoors against a backdrop of lush green plants and a large rock.

"I never gave up on myself and Kids Helpline never gave up on me."

Two construction workers in high-visibility orange and yellow shirts hold a cordless drill and tape measure before a wooden fence, overlaid with a pink play button icon.

Our Social Enterprises have helped more than 3,000 young people over 20 years.

60 years of Changing Lives

On 17 November 1961, BoysTown launched its first ever Art Union. Two shillings bought supporters a ticket to win one of four Holden EK Hydra-matics, valued at £1,000 each.

The following years saw supporters have the opportunity to win a wide range of prizes – from sewing machines to horses. In 1982, the first ever Prize Home tickets were sold, starting a new era for our lotteries.

Art Unions have played an integral role for yourtown’s services, with the community’s ongoing support funding the creation of services, such as Kids Helpline, Parentline, training and employment services for young people, parent education and specialist accommodation.

Today, yourtown’s Art Unions are the primary source of income for many of our services. Not only do supporters help to create brighter futures for young people, they also have the chance to win one of 10 luxury Prize Homes and six prestige Car Draws every year.

It truly is a win-win.

60 years of Art Unions

A set dining table with cushioned outdoor chairs stands on a high-rise balcony overlooking a wide sandy beach and turquoise ocean under a clear blue sky.

60 years of creating brighter futures

"In today’s world there seems to be more complexities for children. I just keep wanting to keep helping as much as I can."

Rose was our Direct Marketing Manager and was at yourtown for 28 years.

"The knowledge that you’re helping support a charity that helps children and kids in trouble gives you a good feeling."

Glenn was an interior designer for our luxury Prize Homes for around 20 years.

“As a supporter of yourtown for 30 years, I am amazed at the superb work you do for young people. From my own experience, I appreciate only too well that many people just need a hand to stay on their feet and keep going.
The support provided by yourtown builds the confidence, focus and determination young people need to deal with their difficulties and succeed in life. I have a special interest in yourtown, and will always support your organisation and help in any other practical way that I can. It is very satisfying to know that together we are helping hundreds of thousands of young people each year.” - Gary Byron, yourtown supporter

A lot has changed in 60 years