A crucial crime prevention service in Rockhampton will be given much-needed funding under a future Coalition Government, allowing it to support at-risk, vulnerable youth.
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the LNP’s election commitment of $1 million for Central Queensland’s charity Walk ’N’ Talk Collective would allow its headquarters, The Common Ground, to get the refurbishment it needs.
“This funding will go a long way to keeping at-risk youth off the streets and in a facility that will give them both a purpose and positive role models in their lives,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We want kids in Rockhampton to make good choices and be surrounded by positive influences. We back Walk ’N’ Talk Collective because it will help stop vulnerable youth from going down the wrong path, which ultimately leads to a safer community.”
Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the community has had a gut full of crime on the streets and this announcement will provides a real, practical solution.
“Early intervention and family support services will give real and lasting changes to Central Queensland, not just for vulnerable youth but the entire electorate of Capricornia,” Ms Landry said.
“Providing youth with a positive environment is a win-win for everyone.”
Walk ’N’ Talk Collective co-founders Chris Bennett and Jordan Meehan thanked the LNP for the commitment, which will go towards counselling and support spaces, a community workshop space, a youth drop-in zone, a shared office hub, accessibility updates, a kitchen and a cultural space.
It also includes a renovation of the building and upgrades to the safety system, plus improve the outdoor exterior and add outdoor spaces and an adjacent sporting field.
Walk ’N’ Talk Collective co-founder Chris Bennett said the announcement will serve more than 3000 vulnerable individuals annually, addressing mental health issues, addiction, domestic violence and social isolation.
“As we come close to our 1st birthday, this money would mean we can jump ahead two or three years in our strategic plan and bring the right supports for youth, mental health and youth crime prevention to the Capricornia region, even sooner than we had hoped,” Mr Bennett said.
Mr Meehan said it opens up the door to a more grassroots approach to tackling youth crime.
“It also allows for collaboration with other agencies within the community, and as we know community is the best way to tackle youth crime, in those early stages before it gets too late,” Mr Meehan said.
“Reducing youth crime starts at home within families, schools and sporting clubs, which are already stretched too thin. We want to make sure we can help via early intervention and stop it in its tracks before it gets to the courts.”
The announcement comes on top of the LNP’s plan to restore critical Medicare mental health funding by;
- Delivering a world-leading approach to mental health, including an additional $400 million for youth mental health services, including;
- Increasing the number of Early Psychosis Youth Services across the country and upgrading and building new headspace centres.
- Establishing a National Institute for Youth Mental Health to prioritise support for young Australians.
- Doubling the number of Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions that Australians can access, from 10 to 20, and on a permanent basis – reversing Labor’s cruel cuts.
ENDS
