FUNDING IS A GOOD START TO COMBAT YOUTH CRIME

YWE HAVE TO TRY AND BUILD TOWARDS A BETTER TOMORROW WHERE YOUTH ARE PUT ON A PATH AWAY FROM CRIME AND TROUBLED LIVES

outh crime has been scourge for our city. No one can argue with that. It has led to untold damage and hurt within the North Queensland community, and it is a daily focal point of the region’s anger and frustration.

But something has to be done. We have to try and build towards a better tomorrow where youth are put on a path away from crime and troubled lives.

The unveiling of plans for a new youth precinct development designed to get kids off the street is a step in the right direction

YWAM Townsville will receive $778,500 from the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund to help construct a multipurpose youth precinct, which will include an adventure-based learning high ropes course, a multipurpose space and a cafe.

Vocational training and skills for job readiness will be on offer at the facility, and it will partner with key stakeholders to assist with preventive, intervention and rehabilitation programs for youth.

YWAM director Ken Mulligan said the facility could play a key role in putting local youth on the right path.

“The past 18 months have highlighted the tremendous needs in our local young people more than ever, so we are very grateful to have this space to help develop leadership and skills in many young people,” he said.

Local police are fighting a constant battle to keep people out of harm’s way from youth crime, and our courts are filled with youth crime cases.

It is hard to remain positive when youth crime affects people daily, and when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. But it is because of organisations like YWAM and the staff who work there that residents can hold on to hope that, one day, the problem can be brought under control. The fact that significant money and new facility is being allocated to their cause is also cause for optimism.

They are fighting a tough battle, and every bit of help from the government and community will help.