Morrison Government delivers $927,221 to support high-risk youth in Wynnum

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has delivered a $927,221 grant to support at-risk youth through a new community youth space for early intervention programs at the Bayside Adolescent Boarding Inc (BABI).

Mr Vasta said the grant was delivered through the Morrison Government’s Safer Communities Program which aimed at supporting projects to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

“BABI is one of Wynnum’s leading youth and family service providers and have provided support to young people at risk of homelessness since the 1980s,” Mr Vasta said.

“I was so pleased to visit BABI to share this fantastic news and see how this grant will help them deliver a proactive solution for crime prevention and youth support in Bonner.

“This $927,221 grant will help BABI expand their services and provide much needed support for up to 80 at risk youth on a weekly basis.

“We want to see young Australians at risk of homelessness, have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and given the chance to have a bright future.”

General Manager for BABI, Emina Ajanovic said the funding would go directly towards changing the lives of at risk-youth and help prevent them falling into a cycle of crime.

“This $927,221 from the Federal Government will go directly into a youth space to provide opportunities and resources for young people to participate in active, healthy lifestyles which will allow them to contribute to building a stronger community,” Ms Ajanovic said.

“We are so thankful for Ross’s support and advocacy on behalf of BABI to receive this Federal funding.”

BABI provides options to homeless youths, programs to increase engagement in training and employment, access to mental health services, as well as referrals for other health and specialised needs.

Participants are sourced through referrals from the Police, Youth Justice workers, local schools and services as well as concerned families.

The Safer Communities Fund targets organisations which demonstrated experience in providing early intervention actives to youth at high risk to prevent them from engaging in criminal activity or anti-social behaviour.

The objectives of the Safer Communities Program is:

• to provide community safety for all Australians through funding local crime prevention actives that address anti-social behaviour by youth at high risk of offending
• help marginalised youth aged 12-24 at high risk to develop life skills, including through educational and vocational skills to prevent them from becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system and to promote inclusion and build community resilience

For more information on the Safe Communities Fund, click here.