- Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment for new community-led Gold Standard Early Intervention programs, with a new Kickstarter program announced today in the North.
- Townsville Fire will deliver a new program for at-risk youth showing early signs of disengagement, anti-social or criminal behaviour.
- Program uses basketball, mentorship, life skills workshops and cultural interventions to re-engage young people with education, the community and future pathways.
- Funding is part of a $100 million investment to deliver Gold Standard Early Intervention through community-led early intervention programs to restore safety where you live.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election commitment to fund Gold Standard Early Intervention programs to break the cycle of crime, with a new program announced today in Townsville.
Townsville Fire will receive funding under the first round of the Kickstarter Grants program, with a $250,000 grant for their new early intervention program for at-risk youth.
Townsville Fire's Building Brighter Futures Program will offer a range of supports to young people aged 10-17 in the Townsville region, combining sport-based activities, mentoring, life skills workshops and cultural interventions to re-engage at-risk youth back into education, the community and future pathways.
Participants will undertake a 10-week program, which will include weekly basketball training and mentoring sessions with Townsville Fire athletes, life skills and leadership workshops and community-led cultural events.
The Kickstarter program is part of the Crisafulli Government's four-year $100 million Gold Standard Early Intervention program, with $50 million to kickstart new programs and $50 million for ongoing funding for programs with proven results.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said early intervention programs were crucial to breaking the cycle of crime to prevent the next generation of youth offenders.
"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 restore safety back to the North," Minister Gerber said.
"Early intervention helps turn young lives away from crime and towards a positive future, breaking the cycle of repeat youth offending".
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said this program will give at-risk kids the best chance at turning away from crime.
"By intervening early, we are ensuring the next generation don't end up repeat youth offenders, and they are given the support they need to become productive, engaged members of the community".
Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said supporting local early intervention programs like this was key to breaking the cycle of crime in the region.
"This program gives at-risk youth the guidance, structure, mentorship and discipline they need to forge a better path and using sport as a tool to foster positive change is a great way to do that".
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said investing in effective early intervention was critical to restoring safety back to our communities.
"By investing in early intervention programs like this, we are giving our youth the best chance at building a positive future and restoring safety where we live".
Sam Pascoe from Townsville Fire said the funding would transform young lives and allow the organisation to expand their reach and with a program targeting at-risk youth, reducing antisocial behaviour and promoting positive life choices.
"Thanks to this grant and the Crisafulli Government, the Townsville Fire can empower young people to make better choices and build stronger, safer communities through the power of sport, mentorship and connection," Mr Pascoe said.
