Proven Initiatives funding backs Everything Suarve

Everything Suarve will receive nearly $3 million to continue delivering its successful Big Brother program for up to 75 young people aged 14 to 17 across Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast.

Proven Initiatives is part of the Queensland Government’s $115 million Gold Standard Early Intervention program, investing in effective early intervention programs that are designed to reduce youth offending, keep young people engaged in education or employment, and strengthen their connection to community.

The program is the first Proven Initiatives program, that has been able to demonstrate success in reducing crime and supporting youth to remain in work or school, all part of the Queensland Government’s plan to make Queensland safer, restoring safety where you live.

For Everything Suarve, the funding will help expand a model built on trust, mentoring and practical learning. The Big Brother program combines life skills, education, vocational training, wraparound support and hands-on activities such as building tiny homes, giving young people practical pathways away from crime and towards a job.

The Queensland Government’s Proven Initiatives program has reached a major milestone, with Everything Suarve becoming the first organisation to receive funding under the new early intervention initiative.The Queensland Government’s Proven Initiatives program has reached a major milestone, with Everything Suarve becoming the first organisation to receive funding under the new early intervention initiative.

Everything Suarve founder Joseph Te Puni-Fromont said the funding would allow the organisation to offer deeper and longer-term support.

“The funding allows us to expand our support significantly,” Mr Te Puni-Fromont said.

“We can now offer a 12-month program for young people aged 14 to 17, rather than our traditional 10-week program.

“We know that many young people need longer-term support, so this enables us to work with more young people for a greater period of time and provide the ongoing care and wraparound support they need.”

Mr Te Puni-Fromont said the program begins by building trust before helping young people gain qualifications, develop life skills, and access traineeships and apprenticeships.

“Importantly, our support does not end when they gain employment,” he said.

“Young people will still face challenges and make mistakes—as all young people do. Our role is to be there for them, helping them get back on track when they need support and ensuring they have someone they can turn to throughout their journey.”

Participant Maddi said the program had created a strong sense of belonging.

“I enjoy everything about it. It feels like a second family,” Maddi said.

“Everyone who comes through the program has been through different experiences, and it’s good to come together and support one another. One of the best parts is the connections you make.”

Mr Te Puni-Fromont said the funding certainty would also help Everything Suarve strengthen its team, scale its operations and provide practical assistance to young people who may need help accessing essentials such as food, identification documents or driver licences.

Through Proven Initiatives, the Queensland Government is backing programs that can show they work, while investing in rehabilitation and early intervention to help make Queensland safer.

For more information on the Proven Initiatives program visit: Proven Initiatives | Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support

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Last updated:
17 August 2026