New program helping Palm Island youths avoid a life of crime

The Queensland Police Service is introducing a new program on Palm Island, to help young people avoid a life of crime.

Minister for Police Judy Spence said the Drumming Palms Project is aimed at helping youths at risk of entering the juvenile justice system, by providing them with a new support network and an opportunity to learn new skills.

“The program gives young people an opportunity to participate in drumming sessions, generally run at the Island’s PCYC,” Ms Spence said.

“During the weekly sessions, the youths learn new skills and the activity relieves boredom and builds bonds with their peers and instructors from the Queensland Police Service.

Ms Spence said the project was introduced on the Island, after local police heard about the similar Beat the Streets program being run in Brisbane’s CBD.

“Officers on Palm Island invited their colleagues from down south to visit the Island late last year,” Ms Spence said.

“The program was tested with local youths and was greatly received by the community.

“As a result of this warm response, the Drumming Palms Project has now commenced on Palm Island and will be officially launched next month.

“The project aims to raise the self-esteem of participants by acknowledging their achievements and encouraging them to set and reach new goals.

“It’s anticipated, participants will eventually be able to perform at community events, accompanying traditional dancers and didgeridoo players to ensure cultural influence is encouraged and respected.”

Ms Spence said the program also offers youths extra support within their community.

“Participants can use the drumming sessions to raise and discuss any issues of concern with other participants, police officers and community members involved in the project,” Ms Spence said.

“Any research will tell you that if you can divert young people from the juvenile justice system by providing quality programs in the community and developing strong support networks to keep them out of jail, they’re going to have better outcome than those who do end up in detention.

“The Drumming Palms Project is a big step in the right direction for the youths of Palm Island and goes a long way toward supporting general police and government agency efforts to reduce juvenile crime within the Island community.”

Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 3239 6172/ 0408 732 491