Published Wednesday, 03 September, 2025 at 01:36 PM

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Laura Gerber

Gold Standard Early Intervention kickstarted with 11 new programs  

  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering Gold Standard Early Intervention to help make Queensland safer.
  • 11 new early intervention programs across Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich will share in $2.7 million as part of round one of the Kickstarter grants.
  • Programs will provide community-based support, mentoring and life skill workshops for at-risk youth offenders, to help break the cycle of crime and arrest Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis. 
  • Kickstarter is part of the Crisafulli Government’s $115 million Gold Standard Early Intervention crime-prevention programs.
  • Crisafulli Government is delivering in its first 10 months, after a decade of decline under Labor. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election commitment for Gold Standard Early Intervention, with $2.7 million provided to 11 groundbreaking early intervention programs as part of the first round of its Kickstarter grants. 

The programs based in Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich will deliver innovative, community-based early intervention that empower at-risk youth by providing enhanced access to educational resources, life skills development, and wraparound support systems. 

Recipients include mentorship programs, life skill workshops and culturally led activities tailored towards First Nations young people. 

A decade of failure by the former Labor Government saw inadequate investment in effective early intervention measures, which created a generation of serious repeat offenders, creating the Queensland Youth Crime Crisis.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start, with $560 million invested in new early intervention and rehabilitation programs in the Budget, including $115 million for Gold Standard Early Intervention. 

The Crisafulli Government is committed to turning the tide on Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis and in the first six months of 2025, victim numbers have fallen 5.7% against population, compared with the same time last year. 

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said effective early intervention programs were vital to making Queensland safer and reducing victims of crime. 

“We are investing in early intervention because we know it’s a critical step to prevent young people from falling into a life of crime,” Minister Gerber said. 

“For 10 years, Labor watched on as the number of youth offenders climbed, and youth detention became a revolving door. 

"Kickstarter is an investment in a positive future, offering youth a path away from a life of crime, while also helping restore safety where you live.” 

Round two of Kickstarter is now open, offering grants of up to $300,000 for innovative community based early intervention programs.   

Applications close 10 September 2025: Kickstarter program | Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support    

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Valeria Cheglov 0438 494 351

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Successful greater Brisbane Kickstarter grant recipients:  

 ARC Parenting – Parenting on the ARC Workshop – Gordon Park 

The Parenting on the ARC program is a 12-month trauma-informed, psychoeducational initiative designed to support parents and caregivers of at-risk children and youth aged 8–17 who are vulnerable to involvement with the Youth Justice system. It provides evidence-based tools to enhance emotional regulation, reduce family conflict, and strengthen relationships. The program combines workshops, personalised counselling, and assessments with culturally responsive approaches to strengthen families, build resilience, and create safer more connected homes.   

ACCER Care PL – YD Project – Bridgeman Downs

The YD Project is a 12-week early intervention initiative aimed at empowering Indigenous youth aged 8–17 years through individualised case management, mentoring, and cultural activities aimed at fostering positive life choices. The program emphasises early intervention and community-led solutions, with an optional extended 12-week phase for participants requiring additional support to achieve their goals.   

Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation – Onwards & Upwards Wellbeing Mentoring program – Wynnum West 

The Onwards & Upwards Wellbeing Mentoring program is a 12-month initiative supporting at-risk youth aged 12 to 17, with a focus on Indigenous participants, through personalised mentoring, run coaching, and education in well-being, leadership, and vocational skills. Co-designed with Indigenous communities, the program aims to reduce recidivism, improve mental health, and empower young people to achieve positive, purpose-driven futures, transitioning them into ongoing community support groups.   
   
Queensland Blue Light Association Inc – Blue Edge – Aspley 

Blue Edge is an eight-week program supporting at-risk young people by enhancing mental and physical wellbeing, building leadership and resilience, and reducing low-level crime through positive behaviours and community connections. Delivered twice weekly, it combines physical training, life skills workshops, and peer-led mentorship, fostering trust, personal growth, and respectful relationships with police, culminating in a celebratory graduation event.   

Kirrawe Indigenous Corporation – Walama Ngurra Bangaba: Returning home building futures - Loganholme 

Walama Ngurra Bangaba is a 12-month trauma-informed program for First Nations youth aged 8–17, focusing on re-engaging them with education, training, or employment while strengthening cultural and community connections. Through tailored, hands-on learning and holistic support, the program aims to reduce youth crime, improve educational outcomes, and foster safer, stronger communities.   

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ltd – Tails of Change - Wacol 

Tails of Change is a two-year early intervention program using hands-on animal care to help disengaged youth aged 11-17 build empathy, emotional regulation, and pro-social behaviours, reducing the risk of offending. By fostering responsibility and accountability, the program addresses underlying issues such as trauma and neglect, promoting emotional development and preventing future harm.   

Youth Retreat Centre – Reconnect with Culture and Community - Ipswich 

Reconnect with Culture and Community is a 12-month outreach program in Ipswich offering intensive case management, mentoring, and tailored referrals to support First Nations and general youth ages 14-17. Through cultural reconnection, life skills development, and pathways to education and employment, the initiative addresses risk factors linked to offending while fostering belonging, self-worth, and positive community engagement.   

V.I.T.A.L. Projex – STRONG Futures (Strength, Trust, Respect, Opportunity, New Ground) - Ipswich 

STRONG Futures is a 12-month, trauma-informed early intervention program for 80 young people aged 10–17 in Ipswich, combining culturally safe mentoring, technology-assisted emotional regulation, and skills training to reduce anti-social behaviour and reoffending. Delivered in four 10-week cohorts, the program includes adventure-based therapy, VR-based self-reflection, neurofeedback brain training, and culturally co-designed support to foster resilience, education, and community reintegration.   

Dynamic Community Care Pty Ltd – The Durungal Program - Ipswich 

The Durungal program is an eight-week intervention for youths aged 10-17, focusing on non-violent conflict resolution, aggression reduction, and social skill development through weekly or fortnightly face-to-face sessions. Delivered by a qualified facilitator in a confidential setting, the program includes tailored learning plans, case notes, and practical exercises, with flexible locations such as schools, homes, or community centres.   

Gunya Meta – Strong Warriors Strong Future – Logan Central 

Strong Warriors Strong Future is an 18-month, culturally-led program for 20 First Nations young people aged 10–17 in Logan, delivered by Gunya Meta to strengthen cultural identity, kinship, and family inclusion. Through Kinship Mentors, cultural immersion, and trauma-informed workshops, the program fosters emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and pro-social pathways to reduce early criminal behaviours and empower youth and families.   

Legacy Connect (Cultural Wellbeing Services) - Legacy Cultural Youth Program – Springfield Lakes 

The Legacy Cultural Youth Program (LCYP) is a two-year, trauma-informed initiative supporting at-risk Pasifika, CALD, and Indigenous youth aged 10–17 in Ipswich and West Moreton through culturally grounded workshops and one-on-one mentoring. By addressing disengagement, trauma, and complex needs, the program aims to improve emotional regulation, school attendance, cultural pride, and reduce anti-social behaviour, fostering stronger, healthier communities.