Stanthorpe to be made safer with major funding boost

May 9, 2022

Stanthorpe’s Community Development Services (CDS) has been awarded $290,236 in funding under round six of the highly successful Safer Communities Fund to improve community safety and help divert local at-risk youth from a life of crime.

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said that the Liberal National Government is delivering a $50 million funding boost to 75 practical community-led projects across Australia, to support their work with high-risk young people to break the cycle of repeat offending.

“All local residents deserve to feel safe and all of our local young people should have the chance to achieve their full potential,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The Driving Work/Life Opportunities project will encourage pro-social behaviours and reduce the rate of offending in Stanthorpe by supporting at-risk youths to obtain their driver’s licence.”

“The lack of affordable public transport in Stanthorpe has been identified as a barrier to educational and employment opportunities for young people, resulting in anti-social behaviour.

“Through existing relationships with local a local high school and the current youth program, CDS will run a 28-month training program and targetted education campaign designed to help at-risk youth obtain their driver’s licences.”

Mr Littleproud said the Liberal National Government was backing community-led solutions to crime – to ensure all residents can go about their daily lives free from violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour.

“We know that some young people engage in activities or have negative experiences that leave them at risk of joining gangs, committing serious crimes and disengaging from the wider community,” he said.

“The challenges we’ve faced over the last two years because of the pandemic have only added to the sense of social isolation and disconnection that some young people feel.

“This program ensures young people can get the support and assistance they need. I thank and congratulate Community Development Services for their ongoing work, which we are proud to support. It’s all about creating a stronger, safer community.”

The additional program funding was in response to overwhelming demand and will support organisations with demonstrated experience in helping marginalised youth, to build resilience, strengthen community connections and job readiness skills.

The Safer Communities Fund has invested more than $265 million and provided over 720 grants directly to local communities to deliver grass roots crime prevention initiatives since 2016.