Safer options for Cherbourg children

Cherbourg children who are out at night without parental supervision during the Christmas holidays will benefit from night activities to be funded by the Queensland Government.

Acting Communities Minister Kerry Shine today announced $33,520 for a night community patrol and night-time sporting and recreational activities for children and young people, aged between seven and 18.

The night patrol will take at-risk children to safe houses.

“I am pleased to provide funding for this important initiative, as it will help to ensure Cherbourg children and young people are not out on their own at night and at risk of harm,” Mr Shine said.

“While we continue to work on providing permanent services, this new funding will help tide children over during the Christmas holiday period, a time when vulnerable children are often in critical need of support.”

The funding has been allocated to the Cherbourg Shire Council, which will provide the patrol and the activities in partnership with the Queensland Police Service, parents and community volunteers.

“Organisations such as the council and police are best placed to find local solutions to local problems,” Mr Shine said.

“I applaud their involvement, which supports the Queensland Government’s vision of safe, valued and empowered communities.”

The funding is provided under the Safe Haven initiative, part of the $18 million Family Violence Partnership Program, a joint initiative between the Commonwealth and Queensland governments.

Four Indigenous communities are the first communities being assisted under the program – Palm Island, Mornington Island, Cherbourg and Coen.

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280