New Cairns Intensive On Country program to reduce offending in Far North Queensland

• The Miles Labor Government, which is investing $24 million to trial intensive on-country programs as part of the Community Safety Plan for Queensland has appointed Mossman based Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC to deliver the new Far North Queensland Intensive On Country youth justice program.
• The program, building on existing On Country programs, will start with its first clients within weeks, with both the Department of Youth Justice and courts able to refer young offenders to take part.
• It follows the awarding of a contract in Mt Isa to Mithangkaya Nguli (Myth-ang-ky-ya  Noo-goo-lee) – Young People Ahead Youth and Community Services Indigenous Corporation to provide its new Intensive On Country youth justice trial.

The Miles Government today announced the second of its Intensive On Country trials – a new, diversionary youth intervention and rehabilitation program that builds upon previous work.

The programs are made possible by a $24 million investment by the Miles Government under the Community Safety Plan for Queensland.

Mossman based Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC has been awarded the tender to provide the government’s new Intensive On Country youth justice trial.

Mithangkaya Nguli (Myth-ang-ky-ya  Noo-goo-lee) – Young People Ahead Youth and Community Services Indigenous Corporation was awarded the first tender, to provide the new Intensive On Country youth justice trial in the Mount Isa region.

Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC delivers its On Country program from its Manunda office in Cairns.

The On Country model focuses on providing intensive cultural and residential experiences, family supports, education and training opportunities and connection to employment to young people who have had engagement with the youth justice system.

The new Intensive On Country trial offers a longer period out of town and On Country to help break the cycle of youth reoffending, leading to reduced offending and fewer victims of crime.

It will provide young people an opportunity to reflect on their offending behaviour through targeted cultural interventions.

It will also deliver a wider range of wraparound supports to young people and their families, to deal with issues including mental and physical health, substance misuse, and social media. As young people return home the new initiative will support re-connection with education, family/kin, and employment opportunities.

The Miles Government has already received interest from employers offering support for employment pathways for Intensive On Country trial participants.

This contract was awarded following a comprehensive tender process that considered organisations’ capability to deliver services effectively, safely and efficiently.

The program starts within weeks, with the Department of Youth Justice and courts able to refer young offenders to take part.

The Department of Youth Justice may work with other organisations that expressed interest in providing an Intensive On Country trial to scope additional locations and future expansions.

Quotes from Minister for Youth Justice Di Farmer:

“The new Intensive On Country program trial is another step toward reducing offending in our state, leading to fewer victims of crime.

“No single program will be the total solution to youth crime. That is why evidence-based programs like this one are needed to complement the Miles Government’s Community Safety Plan and the Putting Queensland Kids First strategy.”

Quotes from the Member for Cook Cynthia Lui

“Evidence tells us On Country programs have success in breaking the cycle of offending.

“It is essential First Nations Queenslanders receive the rehabilitation support they need, in a culturally appropriate way. We are listening to the experts.

“The elders tell us they can deliver better programs to help our young by connecting to country; and deliver practical life skills, support and mentors to deal with mental and physical health, and substance abuse.

“The Miles Government is doing what matters and this On Country program is further proof of that.”

Quotes from the Member for Cairns Michael Healy

“Data on the existing On Country programs shows young people who participated were less likely to reoffend, while noting significant improvement in behaviour, emotional regulation, and managing conflict.

“I look forward to Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC kickstarting this new program in a few weeks. I know they will make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable young Queenslanders.

“The community put this forward as a solution to youth offending and we will continue to put downward pressure on juvenile crime.”  

Quotes from Jabalbina CEO Joshua Paterson

“Jabalbina is delighted to be chosen to take part in the delivery of the Miles Government Intensive On Country Program. Since 2020 Jabalbina has been pivotal in working with The Department of Youth Justice pioneering the existing Jabalbina On Country Program.

“The success of this program in reducing the rates of reoffending within our community has led to a safer community for all. Our success has been achieved by promoting self-determination, cultural reconnection, and does so by providing a culturally safe healing journey that assists participants to live a law-abiding life.

“The Intensive On Country Program will build on the learnings and successes of the existing program by increasing the emphasis on re-engaging young people in employment and training. This experience all delivered on country and on a real working farm.

“We will deliver life skills, certified agricultural training and real jobs that provides rehabilitation and a pathway to ongoing employment.”

Media Contact: Gary Shipway 0458090906