People at risk of addiction, criminality and homelessness will be the main beneficiaries of a handout to community groups of about $1 million in funds seized from criminals.
Attorney General John Quigley today announced recipients of the latest round of the State Government's Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program administered by the Department of Justice.
Six grant offers totalling $1.02 million will be made to not-for-profit groups to run projects in Perth and regional and remote WA that aim to divert people from the criminal justice system, tackle substance abuse, boost mental health and improve school participation.
Recipients from this funding round are:
- The WA Country Football League will receive $200,000 for a Community Development program among its 150 clubs, which boast more than 12,500 male and female players. The program will promote mental health and focus on suicide prevention, road safety and tackling alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse via e-training of volunteers, players and peers at each club;
- Royal Life Saving WA will receive $143,325 for a project in partnership with the Yanchep-based Noongar Cultural Academy Maar Koodjal. The Maar Koodjal - On Country Healing project involves on Country experiences in Yanchep National Park, followed by weekly physical and personal development activities, and lifesaving training to achieve Bronze Medallion and First Aid qualifications;
- The City of Greater Geraldton will receive $77,500 for Tomorrow Starts Today, a project which takes youth on the brink of criminal behaviour on five-day leadership camps during school holidays to build self-confidence and resilience through activities such as a high ropes course, rock-climbing, paintball and horse riding;
- Glass Jar Australia will receive $200,000 for Shooting Stars, an education engagement program in Fitzroy Crossing that uses sports, arts and culture to encourage greater school engagement among Aboriginal girls and young women. Shooting Stars currently operates in Derby and Halls Creek, helping increase school participation by 20 per cent;
- Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) in the Pilbara will receive $198,921 for Yiwarra Kuju, a diversionary program to reduce entrenched patterns of offending and re-offending by Martu men and women. Yiwarra Kuju will entail compulsory residence in a 'dry' Martu desert community, employment in the Martu Ranger program and participation in a series of programs; and
- Ruah Community Services will receive $200,000 for a project to reduce AOD misuse among their clients at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The funding will enable Ruah to recruit an AOD specialist and recovery peer worker (an expert in lived experience) for its Northbridge drop-in centre.
The grants are funded by money and property seized under the Criminal Property Confiscation Act 2000.
Local governments and not-for-profit groups can apply for grants of up to $200,000 for projects that prevent or reduce drug-related crime, support victims of crime or to aid law enforcement. More information about the Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program is available on the Department of Justice's website.
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
"It's very satisfying to be able to fund worthy programs such as these which enable organisations that have targeted real need in the community to undertake activities to address that need.
"I'm pleased to see that a number of these recipients are helping young people in regional and remote areas to keep their lives on track.
"The wide range of programs in this round of funding is a testament to the creative thinking and goodwill that abounds in our State."
