Townsville Leaders Step Up to Support At‑Risk Youth

Townsville businessman Peter Honeycombe is deeply connected to the plight of youth in the region and, more generally, across Queensland.

Growing up in the Burdekin Shire and going to school in Charters Towers, he mixed with and had friends from all backgrounds, walks of life, and means, and was unaware of any form of social classing.

However, he and his wife, Vanessa, noticed later when their kids were growing up in Townsville that they were now living in a more differentiated society between the haves and the have-nots.

“This certainly opened our eyes as to how differentiated things had become in the community,” Peter said. “When I grew up, people helped out more with those around them, regardless of who they were.

“We’ve seen a lot of our youth get overlooked in the regions in particular, so we’ve made a conscious effort to provide support to youth-focused organisations.” 

Peter and Vanessa are directors of Townsville-based Honeycombe Property Group, one of Queensland’s premier property developers.

Being passionate about the plight of youth in regional communities, the Honeycombes saw an opportunity to assist the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation as it sought to introduce its programs to the Townsville area.

As well as providing financial support, Peter says they have been able to use their contacts in the area to help support fundraising initiatives and tap into local mentors to help deliver the programs.

Honeycombes Property Group also incentivises its staff to participate in community outreach with an organisation of their choosing.

The Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation is demonstrating measurable success through its programs in delivering practical, person-centred solutions, improving the lives of at-risk youth, supporting safer communities, and relieving the financial burden on taxpayers.

The Foundation’s eight-week Onwards & Upwards mentoring program, making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth, is being delivered in Townsville by community leaders and volunteer mentors to students at Heatley Secondary College, Pimlico State High School, Townsville State High School, Northern Beaches State High School and Thuringowa State High School.

Peter Honeycombe said: “A big part of society, unfortunately, is insulated from what’s really happening in much of the community.

“We need to find a way of really promoting the success of these community mentors.

“The appointment of the Foundation’s youth ambassador, Elise Bell, is a great step forward – she is a really impressive young person.”

The Foundation plans to hold over 80 programs in 2026 in Queensland, with its more than 600 active volunteer mentors focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers.

For more information, visit: inspiringbrighterfutures.com
ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828440 [email protected]