**BREAKING NEWS: Joseph Tapine of the Canberra Raiders Invests \$13.6 Million to Transform House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Canberra**
Canberra Raiders star Joseph Tapine has made headlines off the field, pledging a staggering \$13.6 million to convert a historic home in central Canberra into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The life-changing decision comes after Tapine witnessed firsthand the growing crisis of youth homelessness during a late-night charity outreach earlier this year.
“Seeing kids sleeping rough in freezing conditions broke me,” Tapine said in an emotional statement. “I knew I had to do more than just write a cheque — I had to be part of the solution.”
The shelter, set to open in early 2026, will offer emergency accommodation, mental health services, job training, and mentoring programs. Tapine has also announced plans to collaborate with local NGOs and Indigenous community leaders to ensure culturally safe and trauma-informed care.
This unprecedented act of generosity has been met with widespread praise from fans, civic leaders, and fellow athletes, who have called Tapine a “true role model” and “champion of change.”
With his bold investment, Tapine hopes to create not just a safe place for vulnerable youth — but a pat
h forward.
