Mission to help troubled youth
A NOT- for- profit registered training organisation, renowned for its work in Papua New Guinea, wants to do more to help troubled youth in Townsville.
But Christian charity Youth With A Mission needs the support of government and business to realise its dream of a Townsville Youth Precinct based on the disused Salvation Army drug and alcohol recovery centre in the CBD.
YWAM has contracted to buy the 4700sq m site in Blackwood St for about $ 2 million and needs a further $ 7 million to refurbish the complex.
YWAM Townsville, which delivered care to 28,000 people in PNG last year through its medical ships program, is probably less known for its services in Townsville where it has contributed more than a million volunteer hours into youth programs.
It now wants to expand its reach and help combat the rising wave of youth crime and substance abuse through programs to help unemployed, homeless and troubled youth.
YWAM managing director Ken Mulligan said the youth precinct would be closely integrated with its nearby training campus where it could draw on some 200 volunteers.
He said they wanted to use the old 32- room recovery centre as a safe place for young people where they could be helped with health, fitness and wellbeing, improve reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, provide crisis accommodation and give work experience and volunteering opportunities.
“The joy we have is partnering with everyone on what we can do,” Mr Mulligan said.
“I think this is a great opportunity for many people to get involved. The more we can engage the community, the more we can provide.”
Businessman and former Salvation Army recovery centre campaign chair Peter Tapiolas said there was a crying need for youth services. Mr Tapiolas said the CBD property by YWAM presented a fantastic opportunity.
“The needs of the young in this city go unnoticed. While it’s great to have the stadium and water ( infrastructure), what is just as important is helping these young people who have fallen and help them back on their feet and back into the community,” Mr Tapiolas said.
“I implore all levels of government to see this project as just as crucially important as other glitzy projects they have got behind.”
YWAM has been working on the Townsville Youth Precinct for some time and is working with government agencies and community leaders, having already gained the backing of Mayor Jenny Hill and local state and federal MPs.
Mr Tapiolas said governments had acknowledged the great merit in the project but were yet to commit.
He said now a contract had been signed with the Salvation Army to buy the CBD property, it was time to step up to make the proposal a reality.