Byron Youth Service will be able to work with identified at-risk youth to help avoid them entering the criminal justice system with more than $500,000 in funding through round six of the Safer Community Fund.
The not-for-profit Youth Service helps support young people within the Byron Bay community to ensure they feel safe and valued, leading to reduced risk of offending or reoffending.
Nationals Senator for NSW, Perin Davey, said the work done by the Youth Service had benefits across the community.
“It is well understood that young people who are supported and valued are more likely to reach their full potential,” Senator Davey said.
“Project U-Turn at Byron Bay will provide local youth with the support they need to minimise the likelihood of offending, reoffending or progressing into the criminal justice system which also benefits the safety and wellbeing of the whole community.”
Senator Davey said the Byron Bay project will target up to 100 youth and 25 families who are most at risk, as well as up to 1,000 of their peers and younger siblings.
The additional funding has been announced in response to overwhelming demand from the community, and was designed for support organisations like Byron Youth Service with their demonstrated experience in helping marginalised youth, to build resilience, strengthen community connections and job readiness skills.
The federal government is delivering an extra $50 million across Australia under round six of the highly successful Safer Communities Fund to improve community safety and help divert local at-risk youth from a life of crime.
Since 2016 the Safer Communities Fund has supported 720 community level projects to deliver crime prevention initiatives through an investment of more than $265 million.
https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/safer-communities-fund-round-6-early-intervention-grants
