Funding boost for Fraser Coast Indigenous Community Justice Group

A Fraser Coast region community justice group (CJG) will receive $10,000 to improve justice services on the Fraser Coast, Member for Hervey Bay Andrew McNamara said today.

“The Kahwun Wooga Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Community Development was among the successful applicants from throughout the state to have grants awarded for their nominated social justice initiatives,” Mr McNamara said.

“The group will receive $10,000 to establish and deliver a six-week personal and cultural development program for 10 male and 10 female participants.

“Project “Kalba Wundaman” (Star Rising) is an early intervention and prevention program which is aimed at young Indigenous people at risk of entering the criminal justice system.”

Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said the grants were awarded under the Community Justice Group Specific Project Grants Fund.

“In February this year, the government announced an additional $4 million over four years would be committed to CJGs,” Mr Shine said.

“As part of this funding, an additional $185,000 was allocated for this financial year for social justice initiatives.

“The Department of Justice and Attorney-General received an overwhelming response following a call for applications in March this year.

“As a result, the department has agreed to fund initiatives for 25 projects in 22 communities at a total of $245,000 - $60,000 more than was originally committed.”

Mr Shine said CJGs played an important role in the implementation of a range of initiatives targeting the over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.

CJGs were established in 1993 in response to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. There are currently 40 statutory and non-statutory groups located throughout Queensland.

9 May 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au