What’s happening
Two new early intervention programs have been launched in the Mackay region to help restore community safety and support at-risk youth through mentoring, education, and engagement.
Family and Children’s Emerging Support Services will provide cultural mentoring, mental health and housing support, and life skills education, including literacy, hygiene, and budgeting. Meanwhile, Mudth-Niyleta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation in Sarina will work with disengaged, homeless, or at-risk youth aged 8 to 17, helping them reconnect with education, employment, and community life.
Why it matters
The new programs aim to break the cycle of youth offending by focusing on prevention and rehabilitation. They form part of a broader $115 million investment in early intervention across Queensland, addressing the root causes of youth crime and offering young people better pathways forward.
Premier David Crisafulli said, “We are restoring safety where you live with early intervention to break the cycle of youth offending before it starts.”
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber added, “Our Kickstarter program is a targeted investment in turning young lives around and making Queensland safer.”
Local impact
The Mackay region is expected to benefit through reduced youth crime and increased engagement among young people. By empowering local organisations to mentor and train youth, the programs aim to build safer neighbourhoods and stronger community connections.
By the numbers
• $115 million has been invested to deliver early intervention programs tackling youth crime across Queensland.
• Two new programs are now operating in the Mackay region, supporting at-risk youth with education, housing, and community mentoring.
• Young people aged 8 to 17 will receive guidance and skills training to prevent long-term offending.
Zoom in
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the benefits of these programs would reach across the region. “By intervening early, we are preventing the next generation from becoming repeat youth offenders. We are giving the support they need to become productive, engaged members of the community,” she said.
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton welcomed the programs, saying, “By offering young people an alternative to a life of crime, we can restore safety where Queenslanders work and live.”
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly also highlighted the importance of community-led initiatives. “Early intervention programs are crucial to turn the tide on youth offending and reducing the number of victims,” he said.
Zoom out
These initiatives are part of Queensland’s broader strategy to improve community safety through stronger laws, additional police resources, and the largest investment in prevention and rehabilitation programs in the state’s history.
What to look for next
The progress of these initiatives will be monitored to assess their impact on youth crime and community wellbeing, with future phases planned to extend early intervention programs to more regions across Queensland.
