More support for young people in Halls Creek

The Australian Government is investing $171,500 to support young people in Halls Creek and surrounding communities.

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Senator for Western Australia, Louise Pratt, said the funding had allowed the Shire of Halls Creek to employ a new youth coordinator to run activities for local youth, including leadership programs, sports and community camps.

“We want to make sure young people in Halls Creek are getting the support they need to build the self-esteem, and encourage them to stay in school or be engaged in training or work,” Ms Macklin said.

“By encouraging participation in these sorts of community activities, we can also help make sure kids in the region aren’t engaging in antisocial behaviour, crime or substance abuse.”

Senator Pratt said the youth coordinator was already delivering for local youth, including organising for a visit from the Psycus Circus in October to run a holiday program for kids.

“The key priority for the youth coordinator is keeping kids engaged and motivated by promoting participation in recreation activities and sport,” Senator Pratt said.

“This includes a focus on increasing youth services in the area. The coordination has been consulting with the community on the reopening of the evening youth service program and supporting the opening of the local pool.”

Ms Macklin said the new funding would also support the Shire of Halls Creek Youth Services Network to provide a more coordinated approach to youth services in the area.

“We know that youth programs that are well targeted and well-coordinated are more effective in helping young people get a good start in life.

“The coordinator will work with the community to establish a Youth Advisory Council in Halls Creek, to make sure local services are delivering as much support as possible to young people in the area.”

Funding for these projects is part of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Remote Service Delivery Special Account.