A new hangout and support centre to be established in Inala is set to improve mental health and wellbeing of local youth.
The brainchild of Inala Wangarra Inc., who will also operate the facility, the Seventy7 Youth Hangout Centre will provide a culturally safe space for young people to enjoy sport, cultural, recreational, healing and resilience-building activities – including after-hours when many need it most.
Premier and Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk praised Inala Wangarra Inc for its leadership and initiative in securing a $190,000 Program grant to make the Seventy7 Youth Hangout Centre a reality.
"This grant will help make a positive change in our community," the Premier said.
"Activities will improve mental health outcomes and provide hope for the future.
"This project is one of five locally led initiatives across the State, totalling more than $1 million, to improve community social health."
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford said the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve mental health, emotional wellbeing, and social outcomes.
"It will also respond to substance misuse, and reduce rates of suicide in their communities," he said.
"Like other Local Thriving Communities initiatives, the Program supports First Nations peoples to make decisions about their own future, build on their strengths, invest in things that will make their communities stronger, and make an enduring difference to people's lives."
Inala Wangarra Inc. CEO Karla Brady said they were proud to be the driving force behind an initiative that would make a positive and enduring difference for their community.
"We have for many years been walking alongside our community with locally devised and delivered sport, recreation, justice, education, employment, health, cultural and arts programs," Ms Brady said.
"Our program will build on the success of other initiatives led by the Indigenous community of Inala in response to youth suicide attempts, including the Gift of Gallang school-based intervention program."
Applications for grants for funding were assessed, shortlisted, and awarded by an independent expert panel.
