Warrnambool will benefit from an over $960,000 funding boost delivered by the Morrison Government in the Federal Budget under an expanded round 6 of the highly successful Safer Communities Fund.
The funding boost means that another 60 practical community-led projects across Australia, including in Warrnambool will be supported to work with high-risk young people to break the cycle of repeat offending. It brings early intervention funding to a total of almost $120 million.
Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan said he was pleased that the funding would improve community safety by helping divert local at-risk youth from a life of crime.
“All local residents deserve to feel safe, and all of our local young people should have the chance to achieve their full potential.”
“And the Beyond the Bell Great South Coast ‘ReConnect Me’ at Warrnambool will provide local youth with the support they need to help keep them away from negative influences and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Tehan said.
“The Morrison Government is backing our community-led solutions to crime – to ensure all residents can go about their daily lives free from violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour.”
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood said the additional funding was in response to overwhelming demand from the community and will support organisations with demonstrated experience in helping marginalised youth, to build resilience, strengthen community connections and job readiness skills.
“These community organisations do vital work in helping get young people on the right track. 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,” Assistant Minister Wood said.
“The challenges we’ve faced over the last two years as a result 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 the local grant recipients for their ongoing work, which we are proud to support. It’s all about creating a stronger, safer community.”
The funding will be delivered under the latest round of the Safer Communities Fund which has invested more than $315 million to over 800 local communities to deliver grassroots crime prevention initiatives since 2016.
“The Morrison Government is serious about community safety. We’ve provided record funding to our law enforcement and security agencies so they can crackdown on organised crime and our strong border protection has meant record seizures of dangerous drugs at our borders” Mr Tehan said.
“Importantly, we’re investing funds from the proceeds of crime back into community safety projects like this one. Only the Coalition has a strong plan to tackle crime and keep Australians safe in these uncertain times.”
