BREAKING NEWS: Canberra Raiders Rising Star Elliott Whitehead Invests $7.5 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in…See more…

BREAKING NEWS: Canberra Raiders Rising Star Elliott Whitehead Invests $7.5 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in…See more…

 

BREAKING NEWS: Canberra Raiders Star Elliott Whitehead Donates \$7.5 Million to Convert Home Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in ACT

 

In an inspiring act of compassion and leadership, **Canberra Raiders veteran and rising community icon Elliott Whitehead** has stunned fans and citizens alike by investing **\$7.5 million** of his own money to transform his personal property into a **fully operational shelter for homeless youth** in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

 

### “This Is Bigger Than Rugby League”

 

Whitehead, who has been a pillar for the Raiders since joining the NRL club in 2016, announced the initiative during a heartfelt press event this morning in Canberra.

 

> “This is bigger than rugby league,” Whitehead said. “I’ve been blessed to live my dream, but too many young people here in Canberra and across Australia don’t have a roof over their heads or a fair start in life. That has to change — and I want to be part of that change.”

 

According to Whitehead, the inspiration came after a community visit last year, where he met several young people living in unstable housing situations. Deeply moved, he began working with local organizations and city officials to make his vision a reality.

 

### What the Shelter Will Offer

 

The former family home, located on the outskirts of Canberra, is undergoing a massive renovation to become a **state-of-the-art youth shelter** that will include:

 

* **20+ private rooms** for short- and long-term housing

* A **24/7 support team** including counselors, social workers, and vocational coaches

* On-site **mental health resources** and wellness programs

* **Classrooms, study areas, and job readiness workshops**

* A **community kitchen and garden** to promote food security and skill-building

 

Whitehead is partnering with **local charities, government programs, and mental health advocates** to ensure the facility is more than a place to sleep — it’s a place to rebuild lives.

 

### Community and League Reactions

 

The announcement has sparked a wave of admiration across the rugby league world and beyond. Teammates, coaches, and fans took to social media to praise Whitehead’s generosity and leadership off the field.

 

> “This is what true captaincy looks like — not just wearing the jersey, but carrying your people,” said Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart.

> “Elliott’s heart is as big as his game.”

 

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo also released a statement, calling the move “a landmark example of social responsibility in sport,” and noting that the league will explore ways to support similar initiatives.

 

### Setting a New Standard

 

At a time when professional athletes are often scrutinized for their off-field actions, Whitehead is flipping the narrative — using his success not for luxury, but for legacy.

 

> “I’ve got everything I need. But they don’t,” Whitehead said, pointing to a group of local youth at the press event. “So from now on, my home is their home.”

 

The shelter is expected to open its doors later this year, with Whitehead pledging to remain personally involved in its day-to-day operations.

 

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**Elliott Whitehead isn’t just building a shelter — he’s building hope.**

In a league where toughness is everything, today, the Raiders star proved that true strength lies in compassion.