Mackay has received a major boost in youth support and community safety initiatives, with two local organisations sharing in $300,000 of funding as part of the Crisafulli Government’s Gold Standard Early Intervention program.
The investment is part of a $115 million statewide initiative designed to help make Queensland safer by tackling the causes of youth crime early and supporting at-risk young people before they become entrenched in offending.
Two new early intervention programs will be delivered across the Mackay region — a move that local leaders say will have lasting benefits for young people, their families, and the wider community.
Family and Children’s Emerging Support Services will provide mentoring, mental health and housing support, and life skills education including literacy, hygiene, and budgeting for at-risk youth.
Meanwhile, the Mudth-Niyleta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation in Sarina will deliver support for disengaged, homeless, or at-risk youth aged 8–17 to reconnect with education, employment, and community life.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised.
“We are restoring safety where you live with early intervention to break the cycle of youth offending before it starts,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“While we are seeing crime down and victim numbers down, there is much more to be done to make Queensland safer, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.”
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the investment into early intervention was essential to tackling youth crime and restoring community safety.
“For 10 years Labor sat on their hands while youth crime spiralled out of control,” Minister Gerber said.
“Unlike the former Labor Government, we are taking real action to break the cycle of crime in this State, and our Kickstarter program is a targeted investment in turning young lives around and making Queensland safer.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the benefits of the additional early intervention programs would be felt across the region.
“By intervening early, we are preventing the next generation from becoming repeat youth offenders.
“We are giving the support they need to become productive, engaged members of the community,” Minister Camm said.
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton welcomed the programs as a positive step forward.
"By offering young people an alternative to a life of crime, we can restore safety where Queenslanders work and live," Mr Dalton said.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly agreed, adding that local, community-led initiatives are vital to success.
“Early intervention programs are crucial to turn the tide on youth offending and reducing the number of victims,” Mr Kelly said.
Mackay has received a major boost in youth support and community safety, with two local organisations sharing in $300,000 from the Crisafulli Government’s $115 million Gold Standard Early Intervention program to tackle the causes of youth crime early and help at-risk young people build brighter futures. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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