A 'right-way' hunting and 'Swimming on Horseback' program are among 11 innovative youth engagement projects awarded funding under Round one of the Kimberley Community Action Fund (KCAF) grants program.
More than $660,000 funding has been made available to support local initiatives to reduce crime, improve community safety and security, provide engaging activities and places for young people at risk of offending, and enhance community empowerment.
The funding, administered through the Kimberley Development Commission, is available for everything from physical building security and improved lighting, to innovative ways of engaging families to keep kids safe and off the streets at night.
The KCAF is part of the McGowan Government's $40.4 million investment in juvenile justice and wellbeing projects for the Kimberley.
More information about the KCAF grants program, including guidelines and application details, are available online at https://kdc.wa.gov.au/funding/.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This scheme gives the community an opportunity to fund ideas to address the complex problem of juvenile offending in the Kimberley.
"Some projects focus on engaging kids into constructive pathways. Others provide security infrastructure to protect community assets.
"They complement the Operation Shield, the Target 120 and on-country diversion project the WA government has committed to. There is further work being done on other proposals and we are engaging with the Commonwealth for them to contribute."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"This program focusses strongly on opportunities from our regional community for crime reduction strategies and initiatives.
"I strongly encourage you to discuss your projects with the Kimberley Development Commission and see if Round two of the KCAF grants could be part of implementing your strategy."
Minister's Officer - 6552 6200
Projects supported in the first year of this 2-year funding investment:
| Organisation | Project Title | Funding |
| Shire of Broome | A Sporting Chance | $86,034 |
| Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation | Family Empowerment Program | $78,000 |
| Nyamba Buru Yawuru Ltd | Mayingan Manja (plenty food) for Elders | $100,000 |
| Wunan Foundation Inc | Swimming the River on Horseback (SRH) | $100,000 |
| Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley | Kununurra Disruptive and Protective Hardcover installations | $49,500 |
| Shire Wyndham-East Kimberley | Wyndham Oval Changerooms security improvements | $100,000 |
| Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberly | Kununurra CCTV Upgrade | $26,530 |
| Broome Lotteries House Inc | Centre security project | $31,454 |
| Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation | School Security and Community Safety | $11,333 |
| Fair Game Australia Ltd | Fit and Healthy in the Kimberley with Fair Game | $82,095 |
