Funding commitment for youth outreach program

Gunnedah is among the communities that would benefit from a $937,000 election commitment from the Liberal National Coalition.

If elected, the Coalition committed to expand the ‘Boys to the Bush’ program to support the communities of Cobar, Nyngan, Condobolin, Narromine, Bourke, Coonamble and Gunnedah.

The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said this funding would help disadvantaged youth to break the cycle by providing mentorship, education and training, and community involvement.

“I’ve heard firsthand from my own community of Gunnedah but also residents across the electorate of Parkes, safety is a high priority, and we’re responding with practical measures to help. This funding is a direct response to the concerns raised by our community,” Mr Chaffey said.

It is understood the funding would support the raising of two permanent, but not yet specified, locations for the rollout of the Boys to the Bush program. Outreach support would be provided to the remaining nominated towns.

Meanwhile, Boys to the Bush will also contribute $826,700 towards expanding their outreach program.

Boys to the Bush chief executive and co-founder Adam DeMamiel was thrilled with the prospect of funding support.

“This commitment will not only support the youth and communities in the short term but will allow us to establish a permanent and long-term presence, in at least two more rural communities in need,” Mr DeMamiel said.

Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Senator James Paterson, said under a Dutton Coalition Government, communities will be stronger, more secure, and better supported to tackle crime.

“Getting Australia Back on Track means keeping Australia safe – safe for families, safe for businesses, and safe for communities,” Senator Paterson said.

“[This] will support local communities to deliver practical support to at-risk youth and reduce anti-social behaviour on our streets.”

The funding is being proposed under a revitalised Safer Communities Fund established by the previous Coalition Government, delivering grant funding to councils, schools, and local organisations to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, enhance security around community spaces, and promote social cohesion.