The Territory Labor Government is tackling youth crime in the Katherine region by working with local Aboriginal organisation Kalano to deliver youth diversion programs.
Kalano Community Association will receive $1.5 million over five years to develop community youth diversion programs in Katherine and surrounds, Beswick, Barunga, and Mataranka.
The partnership with Kalano came out of the Local Decision-Making process, which is a Territory Labor Government commitment to transfer decision-making and government service delivery to Aboriginal control.
The community youth diversion programs will be aimed at children and young people who are referred by the NT Police or the Local or Supreme Court.
The programs will be led by Aboriginal leaders who will determine what actions young offenders will undertake to repair the harm that they have caused to the community. Restorative actions may include housing repairs, mechanical repairs, maintenance and essential services. These programs will be operational in October.
The Kalano community youth diversion programs will operate in addition to the Territory Labor Government’s Back on Track programs that will begin on 9 September.
Back on Track programs in Katherine include youth wilderness camps, victim conferencing, early intervention and prevention programs for children under the age of criminal responsibility, and VET programs.
Quotes from Minister for Territory Families, Dale Wakefield
“The Territory Labor Government has the most extensive suite of measures to address the issue of young offenders ever seen in the Territory.
“Through our new Back on Track program as well as funding for community youth diversion programs, we are investing in local solutions and breaking the cycle of youth crime that has gone on for too long.”
Quotes from Member for Katherine, Sandra Nelson
“We are giving young people in Katherine and surrounding areas the opportunity to repair the harm that they have caused, as well as give them education and training pathways so that they can become productive members of our community.
“The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in Katherine and in local solutions to local issues. As the Local Member for Katherine, this is something that I have been advocating for and I will continue to work closely with Kalano to help deliver these programs.”
Quotes from CEO of Kalano Community Association, Bill Headley
“Kalano is committed to supporting young people and the community in Katherine. One mistake doesn’t define a young person’s entire life as it’s in the best interests of the young person, their family and the community that they are diverted away from the criminal justice system and supported into education, training and provided with the opportunity to work with their victims.
“Kalano is excited about the partnership with the Northern Territory Government to deliver youth diversion, as this will complement our existing commitments to deliver after-hours youth outreach and establish the Katherine Children and Family Centre.”
Media contact:
Paige Nguyen 0428 727 244
paige.nguyen@nt.gov.au