Published on Wednesday, 22 June 2022 at 9:17:06 AM
The Shire of East Pilbara welcomes a $60,000 State Government grant, which will be put towards a $120,000 Shire program to support at-risk young people in the region.
As a result of the State Government’s Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program, the Shire will use the funding towards its brand new Moving Forward program. The program will use three avenues to improve young people’s education about the consequences of anti-social behaviour, volatile substance abuse and stealing vehicles.
“This is a fantastic outcome for a program that we’ve been working very hard towards,” Shire President Anthony Middleton said.
“Our Moving Forward program will work with other service providers in the region to engage at-risk youth in a variety of creative and educational ways. Starting in July, the program will include a mural project in Newman, hip-hop music workshops in Newman and Marble Bar and Nullagine, and the Key to Life program.”
Moving Forward will run through until the end of 2023.
“The Shire is really looking forward to getting this program off the ground, there are going to be so many benefits. It’s also yet another way the Shire and other services in the region are working together to address youth crime in the region,” Cr Middleton said.
The intended benefits of the program include increased awareness of the harms associated with volatile substance use, opportunities for young people to further develop themselves and divert current behaviours, and thus making it less likely to continue into – or further into – the justice system.
“The participants of the program will also become role models for younger family members, and provide guidance to stay on the right track,” Cr Middleton said.
Fact File
- The mural project is intended to reduce illegal graffiti, as well as substance abuse
- The aim is that in taking pride in their legal artwork, it will deter from engaging in illegal activities
- It will also be used as a way to educate young people on the dangers of abusing aerosol cans as inhalants
- The location of the mural is still to be determined
- The hip-hop music workshops
- Will be held in Newman, Marble Bar and Nullagine
- It aims at working with young people to develop key messages around substance use, mental health and youth offending
- Key to Life program
- The aim is to educate young people about the consequences of stealing vehicles and reckless driving
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