Additional services for at risk Indigenous youth in Rockhampton

The Australian Government will provide $300,000 over two years to boost services in Rockhampton to help at risk Indigenous youth tackle drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness and crime.

Darumbal Community Youth Services and Central Queensland Indigenous Development Ltd will each receive $100,000 to employ an additional youth worker and assist Indigenous kids with accommodation, employment, training and substance abuse services.

A further $100,000 will be provided for additional youth services in Rockhampton.

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the programs will help curb alcohol and drug abuse and anti-social behaviour among young Indigenous people in Rockhampton and help get their lives back on track.

“The youth workers and additional youth services will teach life skills and build pride and self confidence through healthy, safe activities and increased participation in positive community life,” Ms Macklin said

Ms Macklin said the funding was on top of the $2.1 million invested by the Australian and Queensland Governments in the Rockhampton region for seven homelessness shelters and services through the National Affordable Housing Agreement.

“We are also fostering parental responsibility and guidance through Fitzroy Basin Elders, who work with Rockhampton Indigenous homeless teenagers and their parents, as well as teenagers who are at risk of becoming homeless,” Ms Macklin said.

The Australian Government remains committed to working with the Queensland Government, service providers and the community to improve opportunities for all young Indigenous Australians living in Rockhampton and its surrounds.