Project Booyah proves its worth
FOUR years ago Connor Buckby, 18, was a self- described “loose cannon” who didn’t care about his future.
That was until he turned his life around through Project Booyah.
Project Booyah is an initiative of the Queensland Police Service, a multi- agency program designed to put identified at- risk young people on a positive path.
Participants undertake an initial 16- week course where they complete a Certificate II in Hospitality through Central Queensland University.
Throughout the program participants are mentored on topics including communication skills, resilience, conflict management, social behaviour, work readiness and healthy relationships.
Mentors work to remove barriers to education and employment by supporting participants until they turn 18.
Mr Buckby was 14 when he joined Project Booyah. He was an angry teen, struggling to deal with life after losing his mother at a young age.
“I was pretty hesitant when I was approached about the program but I did want to better myself,” he said. “I got a Certificate II in Hospitality which I used as a stepping stone and I learned social skills by being in a group.”
Mr Buckby has been working with Townsville custom bullbar, tray and vehicle accessories fabrication business Rydweld since April.
His employers were so impressed with his work that he will begin an apprenticeship as a boilermaker next year.
He now volunteers to mentor with Project Booyah.
“I tell them to focus on school, not to mess up and to show an employer that you are here to work,” he said.
“Anyone who gets the opportunity to participate in the program should.”
Project Booyah co- ordinator Senior Constable Dee Prasser said the program had seen many people like Mr Buckby turn their lives around and was now recruiting next year’s intake. Of the 41 participants this year, 30 are in education with 23 in jobs.
“Project Booyah has proven … that it’s a highly successful program creating sustainable positive changes for at- risk young people in our communities,” Sen- Constable Prasser said.
“We are extremely appreciative of all the community support Project Booyah has received over the past 3 ½ years and this has been a contributing factor to our success.”