New program empowers at-risk youth with alternative pathway
Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP
Member for Bendigo
Lisa Chesters MP
Joint media release
The Australian Government has awarded $13.5 million for community safety programs, with funding going to Police Citizens Youth Clubs, Blue Light Organisations and other eligible organisations across Australia through the new U25-GO program.
The funding supports crime prevention and drug diversion programs for youth under the age of 25 at risk of engaging with the criminal justice system.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus MP and Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP announced the funding today in Bendigo with Blue Light Victoria.
Programs funded through U25-GO will assist young people to develop positive engagement with family, education and community. Young people will be supported through activities which improve life skills, job readiness and strengthen family and community support structures with the aim of breaking the cycle of criminal or anti-social behaviour.
Grants have been awarded in each state and territory through a competitive, merit-based process.
Attributable to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus
“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting local communities to strengthen community safety and provide alternate pathways for young people who are at risk of engaging in criminal and anti-social behaviour.“These programs will improve engagement for young people in education and work-ready programs.”
Attributable to Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP
“I’m no stranger to the fantastic work Blue Light Victoria do locally and it’s fantastic to see this work recognised in today’s announcement.
“It’s so important at-risk youth have community programs like this. I am very proud that the Federal Labor Government has come on board as a funding partner.
“I’d like to also thank the amazing members of VIC Police, partners and community organisations who make this program here in Bendigo such a success.”
A list of organisations that will receive funding is included below:
| Organisation | Location |
|---|---|
| Blue Light Victoria Inc | Victoria |
| Canberra Police Community Youth Club Inc | Australian Capital Territory |
| Children’s Ground Limited | Northern Territory |
| Hoops 4 Health Pty Ltd | Northern Territory |
| Noorla Yo-Long Blue Light Youth Camps | South Australia |
| Queensland Police-Citizen Youth Welfare Association | Queensland |
| Tasmanian Association Police and Community Youth Clubs Inc | Tasmania |
| The Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW Ltd | New South Wales |
| Western Australian Police Community Youth Centres Inc | Western Australia |