Young South Australians struggling with challenging circumstances will have greater access to the support they need through a Commonwealth funding boost for personal development and adventure therapy delivered through Operation Flinders.
The Albanese Labor Government has provided more than $326,000 in funding for the Step Out pilot project to assist Adelaide youth aged 14 to 18 who are disengaged from, or not attending, school.
The pilot delivers a series of 12-week projects aimed at developing personal skills, positive attitudes and behaviours through a series of outdoor activities such as hiking, navigation, abseiling, a high ropes course, bushcraft and learning about Indigenous culture.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth will today visit Operation Flinders in Edwardstown along with the member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost to see firsthand the difference the organisation makes.
Minister Rishworth said the Step Out pilot program was a great example of how the Albanese Labor Government was delivering for communities and young people.
“For disengaged youth we need to look at innovative programs and solutions to help them get back on track and equip them with the tools they need to thrive in their lives,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Through providing these adventures, young people get to learn new skills and self-reliance, with the ultimate aim of helping them to reengage with community and, importantly, school.”
Local member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost said Operation Flinders was a vital service for young people across Adelaide.
“Organisations like Operation Flinders in Edwardstown play an extremely important role in supporting young people in Boothby and across Adelaide,” Ms Miller-Frost said.
“I am really pleased this innovative program is being piloted in Boothby and I am proud to be part of an Albanese Government that is committed to finding practical ways to support our young people.”
Chief Executive of Operation Flinders David Wark welcomed the Commonwealth funding.
“The Step Out pilot program has enabled Operation Flinders to assist young people from broader backgrounds who most certainly would not have had a chance to experience our adventure therapy program otherwise. These young people have been able to grow a sense of self-worth and ambition through this vital program,” Mr Wark said.
“Funding of programs such as this is essential to ensure we continue to provide a life-shaping platform for young people. It’s an investment into their futures and in turn, benefits everyone.”
The Commonwealth funding for Operation Flinders is provided under the Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) Inclusive Communities Activity and will be delivered over two years.
The Government has committed $63 million over 5 years from 2022-23 to 2026-27 for new grant opportunities under the Activity.
