The Andrews Labor Government has awarded $350,000 to Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) to help young people find pathways away from offending.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas, Member for Altona Jill Hennessy, and Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly announced CMY would receive funding for the extension of the Change It Up project to support young people and provide them with the help they need.

The project aims to address offending and recidivism among young people aged 10 to 24 who have either had contact with, or have demonstrated risk of, being involved with the criminal justice system.

The projects engage with young people through coaching, mentoring, employment and education opportunities to address the underlying causes of offending and steer them away from the justice system. CMY funding builds on its strong community involvement to respond to the needs of its local youth, and provides opportunities for them to be provided with a wraparound service that sets them on the right path.

The funding is part of the state government’s Youth Crime Prevention Grants program, which received $4.4 million in the 2021-22 State Budget to extend projects across Victoria for an additional 12 months.

These community-led projects for young people are run in partnership with councils, service providers, not-for-profit groups and police.

Since 2016 the government has invested over $22 million, providing intensive support to more than 1000 young people. More than 2000 young people have participated in pro-social activities delivered by these projects.

For more information visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/grants/youth-crime-prevention-grants.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins

“Our Youth Crime Prevention Grants have successfully helped community designed programs support vulnerable young people to keep their lives on track.”

“By supporting young people we’re creating a better future for them, and a safer future for all Victorians”

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“The Change It Up project will help make sure our local young people get the support they need to stay connected and engaged.”

Quote attributable to Member for Altona Jill Hennessy

“I’m really pleased that funding has been allocated to extend the critical work of the Centre for Multicultural Youth to continue to give young people in Wyndham meaningful and individualised support.”

Quote attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly

“A sense of community with support to stay connected and engage can make all the difference in the lives of

at-risk youth.”