Published Friday, 03 October, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
More support for at-risk youth
Extra support is on its way for Mackay, with the Bligh Government in advanced discussions with the Commonwealth to closely work together to do more to help at-risk youth in the region.
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said discussions with Canberra have been matched by close cooperation on the ground in Mackay between government agencies and service providers who have been looking into the issues and support-needs of young people.
“Following a recommendation from the Mackay Youth Taskforce, I am announcing new recurrent funding from existing budget resources over the next three years of $300,275 for the local Referral for Active Intervention Service,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“This will give the service better funding security and enable it to plan and expand its services in response to community needs,” she said.
“I am also inviting my federal colleague, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin, to nominate a representative to join a group which meets regularly under the banner of the Mackay / Whitsunday Regional Managers Network.”
Ms Nelson-Carr had requested the local network investigate issues facing at-risk young people on September 9 and to brief her about its findings.
Immediately the network formed a Mackay Youth Taskforce – a multi-agency group with local representatives from government agencies.
Ms Nelson-Carr said it has been mapping services to determine if there are any gaps or if special interim supports can be put in place to help young people at-risk of self harm.
“The two-week timeframe I gave this group was very tight, but necessary under the circumstances, and I want to specially thank the representatives for their hard work,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“We have young people and families, as well as the wider community, in pain and the concerted efforts of the taskforce and local service providers has been exceptional,” she said.
Ms Nelson-Carr said she has today asked the work of the taskforce to continue, and it will be picked up the Mackay / Whitsunday Regional Managers Coordination Network’s human services group.
“The added benefit of continuing to bring organisations and groups together to focus on solutions to ease the pressure on at-risk youth and families in the community is that it remains a priority for all.
“The taskforce found the region’s youth services were working well with young people but I believe there are always opportunities for ongoing improvement and this must continue to be our shared priority through the network.”
The taskforce identified the need for close collaboration between the State and Commonwealth governments in a number of areas, including:
• the integration of existing services and the possible extension of operating hours;
• dedicated funding for suicide prevention programs, and;
• targeted services for Indigenous and marginalised young people.
The local Referral for Active Intervention Service is run by the George Street Neighbourhood Centre and it provides early intervention support to families who are most at risk.
Ms Nelson-Carr also commended Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin who took up the issue of Mackay's youth suicide and raised it at the highest level.
Mr Mulherin has welcomed the decision.
“I was deeply concerned by what was happening with our troubled youth and I personally raised this issue with both the Premier and Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr,” he said.
“It's critical that at risk youth realise there is help available and it's just as critical that they pick up the phone and talk to someone who can help.
‘The grief suffered by families and friends after a youth suicide is indescribable.
“These extra funds will improve services in Mackay and hopefully make a real difference,” Mr Mulherin said.
Earlier this month, Ms Nelson-Carr announced more than $130,000 for the Youth Information and Referral Service to employ two workers with specialist skills in working with young people at risk of self harm.
An additional $33,000 was also allocated to the organisation to develop and implement a new service model and ensure the future viability of the much-valued local organisation.
The Mackay Youth Taskforce included representatives from all three tiers of government, including the Commonwealth’s Department of Family Housing and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Queensland Government departments of communities, health, child safety, police and housing, and the Mackay Regional Council.
*Media note - please promote the help lines: Kids Help Line 1800 551 800, Lifeline 13 1114.
Media contact: Minister's Office 3235 4280
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said discussions with Canberra have been matched by close cooperation on the ground in Mackay between government agencies and service providers who have been looking into the issues and support-needs of young people.
“Following a recommendation from the Mackay Youth Taskforce, I am announcing new recurrent funding from existing budget resources over the next three years of $300,275 for the local Referral for Active Intervention Service,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“This will give the service better funding security and enable it to plan and expand its services in response to community needs,” she said.
“I am also inviting my federal colleague, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin, to nominate a representative to join a group which meets regularly under the banner of the Mackay / Whitsunday Regional Managers Network.”
Ms Nelson-Carr had requested the local network investigate issues facing at-risk young people on September 9 and to brief her about its findings.
Immediately the network formed a Mackay Youth Taskforce – a multi-agency group with local representatives from government agencies.
Ms Nelson-Carr said it has been mapping services to determine if there are any gaps or if special interim supports can be put in place to help young people at-risk of self harm.
“The two-week timeframe I gave this group was very tight, but necessary under the circumstances, and I want to specially thank the representatives for their hard work,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“We have young people and families, as well as the wider community, in pain and the concerted efforts of the taskforce and local service providers has been exceptional,” she said.
Ms Nelson-Carr said she has today asked the work of the taskforce to continue, and it will be picked up the Mackay / Whitsunday Regional Managers Coordination Network’s human services group.
“The added benefit of continuing to bring organisations and groups together to focus on solutions to ease the pressure on at-risk youth and families in the community is that it remains a priority for all.
“The taskforce found the region’s youth services were working well with young people but I believe there are always opportunities for ongoing improvement and this must continue to be our shared priority through the network.”
The taskforce identified the need for close collaboration between the State and Commonwealth governments in a number of areas, including:
• the integration of existing services and the possible extension of operating hours;
• dedicated funding for suicide prevention programs, and;
• targeted services for Indigenous and marginalised young people.
The local Referral for Active Intervention Service is run by the George Street Neighbourhood Centre and it provides early intervention support to families who are most at risk.
Ms Nelson-Carr also commended Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin who took up the issue of Mackay's youth suicide and raised it at the highest level.
Mr Mulherin has welcomed the decision.
“I was deeply concerned by what was happening with our troubled youth and I personally raised this issue with both the Premier and Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr,” he said.
“It's critical that at risk youth realise there is help available and it's just as critical that they pick up the phone and talk to someone who can help.
‘The grief suffered by families and friends after a youth suicide is indescribable.
“These extra funds will improve services in Mackay and hopefully make a real difference,” Mr Mulherin said.
Earlier this month, Ms Nelson-Carr announced more than $130,000 for the Youth Information and Referral Service to employ two workers with specialist skills in working with young people at risk of self harm.
An additional $33,000 was also allocated to the organisation to develop and implement a new service model and ensure the future viability of the much-valued local organisation.
The Mackay Youth Taskforce included representatives from all three tiers of government, including the Commonwealth’s Department of Family Housing and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Queensland Government departments of communities, health, child safety, police and housing, and the Mackay Regional Council.
*Media note - please promote the help lines: Kids Help Line 1800 551 800, Lifeline 13 1114.
Media contact: Minister's Office 3235 4280