7th February 2017
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce and Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, today announced an extra $50,000 to help vulnerable young people in Tamworth.
“The Coalition Government is committed to supporting young people to realise their potential, and this funding to Youth Insearch in Tamworth enables the delivery of its successful early intervention programme for a further six months,” Minister Porter said.
“This funding ensures continuity of this service until new funding opportunities become available later this year.”
Youth Insearch delivers an innovative ‘camp-based’ programme across NSW, QLD and Victoria, including Lake Keepit near Tamworth that addresses the complex needs of at-risk youth through counselling, mentoring and empowerment activities.
“The Youth Insearch programme helps about 850 young people a year through its weekend workshops, peer support networks, leadership and mentoring activities,” Mr Joyce said.
“This programme also demonstrates how effective community business partnerships can help to overcome disadvantage.
“Youth Insearch has built successful partnerships with a range of corporate and community organisations both locally in the Tamworth region and nationally.
“The work of Youth Insearch is a reflection of the determination in local communities to not only help lift young people from disadvantage so they can reach their potential but also to create more cohesive communities.
“The 31-year old programme has delivered positive results for the whole community with independent reviews of its work indicating reductions in drug and alcohol abuse, crime, homelessness and violence amongst participants.”
Minister Porter said the Coalition Government invests $28 million annually in community programmes that support local community organisations in their efforts to overcome disadvantage and solve complex social problems.
“This is a great start and means that Youth Insearch can continue doing good work,” Mr Joyce said.
“Along with the Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, I will be meeting with Minister Porter shortly to discuss further funding options for Youth Insearch for the longer term,” Mr Joyce said.