Extra support for young Queenslanders in Normanton

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence The Honourable Di Farmer

More than $300,000 has been invested by the Palaszczuk Government in a new, culturally appropriate youth service at Normanton for at-risk young North West Queenslanders.

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said Centacare North Queensland had teamed up Traditional Owners, Gidgee Healing Health Service and community groups.

“Right now, Centacare North Queensland’s Youth Support Service is working one-on-one with young Queenslanders that may be at risk of entering the youth justice system,” Ms Farmer said.

“The key to the service is a culturally appropriate approach to early intervention to help young people and their families lead safe, healthy and positive lives.

“Risk factors the service looks for include young people disengaging from school, parental stress, domestic and family violence and substance misuse.

“What this new service does is help young people and the community make informed decisions about the services and support they need to get lives back on track.”

Centacare North Queensland Director Tania Edwards said the service would be person-centred to ensure young people went on to reach their full potential.

“That means we will involve young people in the planning, designing, implementing and evaluating of projects that are aimed at increasing their community participation and reducing youth crime,” she said.

“Wherever possible projects will also involve local community and industry groups as well to build local capacity, so everyone can work to support and lift up our young people.”

Centacare North Queensland’s $300,000 in funding from the Palaszczuk Government is over three years.

“This an innovative approach that seeks to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture into the design, delivery and evaluation of youth support services to meet the Normanton community’s needs,” Ms Farmer said.

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