- $1 million funding announced for Round Two of Kimberley Community Action Fund
- Grants awarded to 11 community-led projects that reduce crime and improve community safety
- KCAF is part of the Cook Government’s $40.4 million investment in juvenile justice and wellbeing projects for the Kimberley
A youth ‘safe space’ in Fitzroy Crossing, and a diversionary sport and recreation program are among 11 innovative youth engagement projects awarded funding under Round Two of the Kimberley Community Action Fund (KCAF) grants program.
More than $1 million funding has been made available to support local initiatives which reduce crime, improve community safety and security, and provide engaging activities and places for young people at risk of offending.
The funding, administered through the Kimberley Development Commission, will be used for everything from physical building security and improved lighting to innovative ways of engaging families to keep kids safe and off the streets at night.
The first KCAF round in 2022 invested $809,658 to support 12 community projects in the Kimberley region.
Previous projects supported through the program have seen frontline support workers and youth at-risk of offending working with livestock through intensive workshops; mentoring, sport and recreational activities made available for young people at risk; and a number of security system upgrades across schools, youth centres, and town centres.
The KCAF is part of the Cook Government’s $40.4 million investment in juvenile justice and wellbeing projects for the Kimberley.
More information about the KCAF grants program is available online atkdc.wa.gov.au/funding.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“These grants empower communities across the Kimberley to address the complex problem of disengaged youth and juvenile offending through a number of innovative projects.
“The Kimberley Community Action Fund is just one part of the Cook Government’s commitment to breaking the cycle of youth offending in the Kimberley.
“It complements other initiatives like Operation Shield, the Target 120 and an on-country diversion program already being delivered in the region.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“The Cook Government has listened closely to the community’s concerns about challenges with disengaged youth in the Kimberley, and how we can all do better to help break the cycle.
“These grants are an important step towards helping empower young people, along with their families, and providing culturally appropriate solutions to a complex issue.
“I’m passionate about helping young people to understand what they can achieve with the right support, education, and guidance and look forward to seeing the difference these projects make to the region.”
Projects supported Kimberley Community Action Fund- Round 2
Organisation | Project Title | Funding |
Wunan Foundation Inc | To deliver workshops in mentorship, life skills, and personal growth with youth at-risk alongside mentors | $100,000 |
Yawoorroong Miriuwung Gajerrong Yirrgeb Noong Dawang Aboriginal (MG) Corporation | To provide a Youth Night Patrol service three nights a week in Kununurra | $100,000 |
Shire of Broome | To enable youth from remote communities, to participate in existing diversionary activities in Broome. | $93,600 |
The Skill Engineer Ltd | To support vocational learning for at-risk young people in horticulture, hair styling, music creation, metal sculpturing, and hospitality. | $99,145 |
Wirrimanu Aboriginal Corporation | To improve safety, security, and amenity at the Balgo Youth Centre – through capital upgrades, and minor equipment purchases. | $93,470 |
Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation | To establish a ‘safe space’ for street present youth in Fitzroy in circumstances where it’s not safe for youth to return home | $87,603 |
Waringarri Arts Aboriginal Corporation | To deliver cultural activities for children and their families to empower and build resilience. | $95,736 |
Shire of Halls Creek | To upgrade CCTV infrastructure in Halls Creek township | $100,000 |
Kununurra Neighbourhood House | To upgrade CCTV and security alarm infrastructure in the Kununurra Neighbourhood House | $40,239 |
Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation | To establish an agricultural property and short-term horse skills program for at-risk youth | $95,651 |
Fair Game Australia Ltd | To deliver diversionary sport and recreation activities, and health education, alongside mentorship of Kimberley youth workers | $100,000 |
