Two projects in Toowoomba are among twelve state-wide to receive a Community Partnership Innovation Grant to tackle youth offending from the Queensland Government.

This funding, part of the second round of the grant program, totals more than $3 million in one-off funding for projects to enable local communities to deliver locally designed solutions to tackle the complex causes of youth offending.

Indigenous mentor Adam Wenitong will receive almost $143,000 to deliver an intensive 30-week program for young people who have re-offended.

It will include a seven-month cultural project that provides cultural mentoring and connection to the First Nations community.

Raw Impact will receive $300,000 to deliver its project, which will see at-risk young people engage in an intensive period of cultural connection over seven weeks, with the option of ongoing cultural activities and projects that support the rejuvenation of native title land at the Yumba.

Minister for Youth Justice Leanne Linard said local communities are often the first to see when a young person disconnects from family, stops attending school or shows anti-social behaviour, all of which are indicators that the young person may engage in criminal behaviour.

“When I have met with local community groups, they have told me that they want to work with the government and put their local experience and knowledge to good use to help divert young people from crime,” Ms Linard said.

“We are committed to addressing youth crime and recently announced a comprehensive suite of measures, including an additional $100 million in funding for programs proven to make a difference in diverting young people from crime.”

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 20 April 2023.