- Minister Mark Ryan attended the launch of Project Booyah and the Community Camera Alliance in Toowoomba.
- This event marks an important step in addressing youth disconnection and enhancing community safety in the region.
- Also announced, a $1 million upgrade for Toowoomba PCYC
An award-winning Queensland Police youth program has launched in Toowoomba today.
Project Booyah is a collaborative initiative between the QPS, Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC), and the local community.
The project includes a 16-week community inclusive police mentoring program that focuses on adventure-based learning, leadership skills, social and skill development training, community intervention, functional literacy/numeracy support, and vocational scholarships.
Its goal is to support disconnected young individuals between the ages of 14 and 17, and help them regain self-worth, build resilience, and establish a sense of connection with their local community.
Each cohort, consisting of 10-12 young people, will participate in the program twice a year, aligning with school semesters.
The family inclusive program will focus on enhancing self-esteem, resilience, and respect while providing pathways to study, training, and employment.
Project Booyah which has already been launched in 10 areas throughout the state, has already seen many successes in deterring disengaged youth from crime.
In 2016, Project Booyah won gold at the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards – an achievement that speaks volumes of the value of the program.’
Last year, 82 per cent of Project Booyah graduates achieved a Certificate II Foundation Skills Training Qualification, 77 per cent re-entered the education system, 46 per cent engaged in further education or training, 33 per cent undertook work experience and 28 per cent obtained employment through taking part in the program.
In addition to Project Booyah, the Community Camera Alliance (CCA) was launched during this event.
CCA, currently implemented in various police districts across Queensland, strengthens the relationship between the community and the QPS by encouraging residents, businesses, and organisations to register their CCTV footage to an internal QPS system.
The initiative plays a crucial role in preventing crime and enhancing community safety and assists police in crime investigations and suspect identification.
Toowoomba residents are encouraged to register their CCTV details online or by completing a hard copy registration form.
These initiatives, along with an increased visible police presence, the Youth Co-Responder Team, and the implementation of Jack’s Law throughout the state, are part of the ongoing efforts by Darling Downs District to address community concerns raised during the Toowoomba crime forum held on February 15.
The State Budget also delivered a significant funding uplift to Police Citizen Youth Club operations.
The government has allocated $1 million for the upgrade of infrastructure and facilities at the Toowoomba PCYC.
The upgrade is part of a $50 million investment that will support new and upgraded PCYC facilities across the state.
The government has also provided an additional $6 million in funding to PCYC Queensland which will in part support a ‘back to basics’ initiative to deliver programs like after dark basketball and boxing.
Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Ryan
“Today marks an important step in addressing youth disconnection and enhancing community safety in our region,” he said.
“The QPS and the Queensland Government are committed to providing support and opportunities to young Queenslanders to regain their self-worth, build resilience, and establish a sense of connection with their local community.
“In addition to Project Booyah, I’m excited to introduce the Community Camera Alliance to Toowoomba – an initiative that strengthens the relationship between the community and the QPS by encouraging residents, businesses, and organisations to register their CCTV cameras.
“By working together, we can prevent crime, enhance community safety, and assist police in investigations and suspect identification.
“And the upgrade of Toowoomba’s PCYC Centre is also a significant development that will further enhance the capacity to deliver programs and activities that directly assist young people.”
Quotes attributable to Commissioner Katarina Carroll:
“The launch of Project Booyah is part of our ongoing commitment to help divert at-risk young people from entering the justice system,” she said.
“By launching both Project Booyah and the CCA, along with an increased visible police presence, our Youth Co-Responder Team, and state-wide wanding operations, we continue create a safer and more connected environment for everyone in Toowoomba.”
Quotes attributable to Phil Schultz, CEO PCYC Queensland:
“We appreciate that this is a considerable investment into PCYC Toowoomba demonstrating QPS and Queensland Government’s commitment to driving early intervention initiatives through prevention, intervention, and diversionary programs.
“PCYC and QPS have been working together to look at how they can further support the community working in conjunction with the police district to target specific areas of community need.
“This funding will be a huge support to us carrying out much needed upgrades and introduce a much-needed dedicated youth space.”
Quotes attributable to Toowoomba Deputy Mayor Geoff McDonald:
“Council welcomes the additional support by the state government, and in particular Minister Ryan, in regard to tackling a community concern.
“This is a good example of police working together with the PCYC to make our community safe.”
Fast facts:
- The launch of Project Booyah, the Community Camera Alliance and the upgrade to Toowoomba PCYC demonstrate the commitment of the Queensland Government, QPS, PCYC, and local community to create a safer and more connected environment in Toowoomba.
- Toowoomba Police will continue to work with young people, the community, and partner agencies to keep this area of the state safe.
