- The crime fighting Project Booyah has been launched in Toowoomba to tackle youth crime.
- The award winning early intervention program by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) and community provides mentoring, and pathways to study, training, and employment.
- The 16-week program selects up to 12 young people for each intake across the state, twice a year.
The Queensland Police Service's award-winning early intervention program "Project Booyah" has welcomed its first cohort of participants in Toowoomba, following its success across Queensland.
Project Booyah has a proven track record of tackling the causes of crime by steering kids back to education and training, or employment.
The first students started the 16-week program this month, taking part in adventure-based learning, employment and leadership activities to encouragebetter life choices.
The young people undertake activities tobuild self-esteem and resilience like abseiling, high ropes and obstacle courses, and receive guidance and police mentorship.
Participants also get help to build their leadership, social skills, literacy and numeracy,ability to find work,and scholarships.
Participants graduate with the skills to find a job or study.
Project Booyah Toowoomba has partnered with a number of vocational training providers across Queensland, to help support participants develop practical skills and knowledge so they can contribute to the workforce.
During 2023, 199 participants took part in Project Booyah across the state, with 84 per cent successfully graduating the course.
Across both semesters last year, 73 per cent of participants re-entered the education system, 42 per cent engaged in further education or training, and 35 per cent obtained employment through taking part in the program.
Project Booyah already operates in partnership with PCYC at 10 other locations around the state, including Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, South Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and the Gold Coast.
Project Booyah is funded under the Queensland Government's newly formed Youth Development Partnership Fund - a joint initiative between the Department of Tourism and Sport and the Queensland Police Service.
Uplifting youth through the power of sport and active recreation learning activities, the fund supports the expansion and creation of youth programs delivering an avenue for personal growth and development.
Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Ryan:
"We have seen the positive impact Project Booyah has had on participants in many other regions throughout Queensland and it is exciting to see it continuing its reach in Toowoomba now too," Minister Ryan said.
"It is a testament to these young people of their courage and commitment as they engage in the activities and mentorship opportunities that can help set them up for a bright future.
"Project Booyah has a positive effect not only on its graduates, but on the community and has proven to reduce crime.
"Our young people are Queensland's future, and we all have a role to play in providing them the tools, the connections and the experience to make good choices – and that begins with projects like Booyah."
Quotes attributable to Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massingham:
"Early intervention is at the heart of the Booyah program as it allows the young people who participate to improve their relations with police, other authorities and their connection to community.
"We appreciate the challenges these kids face at home, in their communities or peer groups. Our desire is to see them succeed through re-engagement into further education or employment and we work with them until that's their reality.
"I am already so proud of every single participant from the Booyah program and look forward to seeing them graduate and watch what they achieve next."
Fast facts:
- Program aimed at youth between 14 and 17 years of age.
- Selects up to 12 young people for each cohort at various locations across the state, twice a year (aligning with school semesters).
- Provides pathways to study, training, and employment.
