Welcome to Wantok Haus, where community thrives and connections are strengthened.
A youth residential housing program based in Queensland.
Our Mission
To provide safe, stable, and supportive housing for young people in crisis, grounded in connection, care, and culture.
At Wantok Haus, we empower youth through consistent mentorship, trauma-informed care, and opportunities for personal growth—laying the foundation for brighter futures and stronger communities.
Our Values
1. Safety First
We prioritise the physical and emotional safety of every young person, staff member, and visitor. This means maintaining secure environments, implementing trauma-informed care practices, and ensuring every young person feels protected, seen, and heard. Safety isn’t just a rule—it’s the foundation of everything we do.
Behaviour: We conduct daily safety checks, de-escalate with calm language, and create a space where no one is shamed or harmed—physically or emotionally.
2. Respect & Dignity
Every young person at Wantok Haus has a story, a voice, and inherent worth. We treat all youth with compassion and dignity, regardless of their background or current situation. We listen without judgement, respond with empathy, and foster an environment where each person is seen as more than their circumstances.
Behaviour: We speak to young people with warmth and eye contact, ask for their input in decisions that affect them, and avoid labels or assumptions.
3. Cultural Competency
We are committed to understanding, honouring, and incorporating the cultural backgrounds of our residents—especially those from First Nations and Pacific Islander communities. Cultural safety is more than a checkbox; it’s a lived practice of inclusion, sensitivity, and empowerment.
Behaviour: We use culturally appropriate language, invite community Elders and leaders into the home, and celebrate cultural days and practices in meaningful ways.
4. Growth & Empowerment
We believe every young person has the ability to heal, grow, and thrive. Our programs are built around restoring self-belief, encouraging autonomy, and creating pathways for positive change.
Behaviour: We set small, achievable goals with each young person, encourage decision-making, and acknowledge every step forward—no matter how small.
5. Integrity
We lead with accountability, professionalism, and ethical care in every decision and interaction. We do what’s right even when no one is watching.
Behaviour: We document and report incidents honestly, follow through on what we say we’ll do, and raise concerns or mistakes promptly and respectfully.
Our Purpose
Wantok Haus exists to serve displaced and at-risk youth with dignity and respect. We are more than just a roof over their heads—we are a family-style home that fosters belonging, accountability, and hope.
Our purpose is to:
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Provide 24/7 care in a safe, culturally aware, and trauma-informed environment
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Support emotional, educational, and social development
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Equip young people with life skills, confidence, and positive role models
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Reconnect them with community, culture, and long-term pathways to success
"Wantok" means "one talk"—a term of unity, kinship, and shared responsibility. That’s the spirit we live by every day.