Orana Mid-Western Police District has renewed its commitment to Project Walwaay as it approaches its four-year anniversary in Dubbo.
The project was developed in July 2019 to support Aboriginal youths, who were identified as being at risk of entering the criminal justice system, get the support they need to stay on the right side of the law.
The project was endorsed by Wiradjuri Elders, who recommended the name, Walwaay, which means young man.
To date, the project has helped up to 50 young people – aged between 10 and 18 – by intervention, education and diversion programs.
The Aboriginal Youth Team (AYT), based in Dubbo, works closely with NSWPF’s Youth Command to arrange engagement programs, including sporting programs held Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with more than 30 youths regularly attending.
Project Walwaay program includes:
- dedicated Friday Fun nights at Dubbo PCYC. These nights are supported by transporting youths to and from the centre, providing activities and food,
- support Youth Command with designated sporting programs on Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoons,
- referral to networks to help youth with education and employment opportunities,
- identification of Aboriginal Elders and respected community members to support kids in the program as mentors, and
- review and support provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth who have been charged with offences, to help ensure appropriate bail, support services and specific programs are provided, and to give them the best chance to stay out of the criminal justice system.
The program also facilitates cultural trips for children who demonstrate ongoing participation in the program and good behaviour.
Project Walwaay is supported by PCYC, Aboriginal Elders and community members, and other government and non-government agencies.
Orana Mid-Western Police District Commander, Superintendent Tim Chinn said the dedicated officers from the Aboriginal Youth Team that lead this initiative with the support of external networks has already made a difference to kids that have participated in the program.
“Our Friday Fun nights at PCYC Dubbo, see more than 150 kids attend; these nights include activities such as basketball, touch football, gaming, table tennis, gymnastics and includes dinner,” Supt Chinn said.
“Today we renew our commitment to this project to continue to provide young community members a supportive environment to take charge and redirect their lives to a more positive pathway.
