Cherbourg to pilot first social reinvestment program

Queensland’s first social reinvestment pilot program is set to take place in Cherbourg, providing opportunities for young people to be positively involved in their community, instead of turning to crime.

Visiting Cherbourg today (Wednesday 13 September), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Mark Furner said the initiative would focus on reducing property crime committed by young people and contact with the youth justice system.

“We know that finding fun, constructive things for young people to spend their time on is a key factor in setting them on a positive path for the future,” Mr Furner said.

“I’m pleased the Palaszczuk Government has allocated around $220,000 to Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council over two years to develop and expand after-school and weekend sport and recreational activities for young people.

“This funding will support the Council to employ a sports coordinator, enabling them to deliver positive initiatives that are led by the community, for the community.

“Importantly, this funding will be contingent on achieving agreed outcomes, so we can all work together towards a common goal.”

Mr Furner said the social reinvestment pilot supported community-led actions in partnership with government, which would not only improve wellbeing, but also savings from less demand on government-funded services.

“Savings will be reinvested locally, through ‘incentive payments’, which then provide an income stream to deliver even more locally-identified priorities,” he said.

“Once the community has achieved the agreed targets, the council will use their incentive funding to employ a sports coordinator for another year.

“The pilot will build stronger partnerships between communities and government and will include engaging local people to support the evaluation of the program.”  

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Arnold Murray welcomed the social reinvestment initiative to support local ideas towards engaging and inspiring Cherbourg’s young people.

“As a community we are coming to together so our children and young people can experience an active, happy and positive way of life,” Cr Murray said.

“This program will help our community put ideas into practice so our kids can enjoy safe and supervised sports and activities on the weekends and after-school.”

Cherbourg Ministerial Champion Anthony Lynham said he was pleased to see the initiative underway.

“The Mayor and I share a view that the young people of Cherbourg are the future and they must be supported to make good choices.”

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council will work with a range of stakeholders, including the Departments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships; Education and Training; Justice and Attorney-General; National Parks, Sport and Racing; and Queensland Police Service, as well as a range of non-government and sporting organisations, including PCYC, to implement the initiative. 

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