- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to provide Gold Standard Early Intervention programs for Townsville.
- Two community-led initiatives, The Silver Lining Foundation and NQ Ummah Care, will share more than $420,000 in the first round of Kickstarter funding.
- Programs will provide community-based support, mentoring and life skill workshops for at-risk youth to help break the cycle of crime.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering in its first 10 months to turn the tide on Labor's Youth Crime Crisis, after a decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering new and expanded early intervention programs to Townsville, with two community organisations receiving funding through the first round of the Kickstarter program.
The Silver Lining Foundation in Townsville has received $275,000 for their Out of Hours Support Program to deliver after hours mentoring for 8–17 year olds involved with Youth Justice.
Delivered by First Nations mentors, it offers structured support during weekends, afternoons, and school holidays to reduce criminal behaviour by engaging young people in positive and culturally appropriate activities.
NQ Ummah Care has received $145,712 funding for the Pathways to Engagement for Culturally Diverse Youth program, providing 16-months of support to Townsville youth from migrant backgrounds.
The program will empower at-risk youth to make positive life choices through soccer-based activities, life skill workshops and mentorship, preventing youth offending and improving education and employment outcomes.
A decade of decline by the former Labor Government saw inadequate investment in effective early intervention measures, which created a generation of serious repeat offenders.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering in its first 10 months, with $560 million invested in early intervention and rehabilitation programs in the Budget, including $115 million for Gold Standard Early Intervention.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Crisafulli Government was investing in effective early intervention programs to break the cycle of youth crime.
"Townsville has been the epicentre of Labor's Youth Crime Crisis and by implementing effective early intervention and rehabilitation programs, alongside our tough new laws, we will help restore safety back to the north," Minister Gerber said.
"We know one of the best ways to reduce crime is to intervene early – to put youth on a different trajectory before they become involved in a life of crime."
Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole welcomed the funding for Townsville.
"These Kickstarter programs will support youth re-engagement with education, training, or employment, ultimately reducing anti-social behaviour, youth crime, and improving community safety," Mrs Poole said.
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said the Crisafulli Government was investing in community-led initiatives to tackle youth crime before it began.
"Early intervention programs are crucial to turn the tide on youth offending and reducing the number of victims," Ms Marr said.
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said Kickstarter grants were an investment in a positive future.
"By offering young people an alternative to a life of crime, we can restore safety where Queenslanders work and live," Mr Baillie said.
