Source: NSW Government media release
The NSW Government will invest more than $115,000 in a crime prevention program that uses sport to steer disadvantaged young people in Western Sydney onto the right path.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee and Attorney General Mark Speakman today announced funding to enable YMCA NSW to continue and expand its popular StreetgYm project.
“StreetgYm has been operating for the past year at Sturt Park in Telopea, with youth workers mentoring people aged 12 to 17 and engaging them in a variety of free sport and recreational activities,” Mr Lee said.
“It gives young people, many of whom have experienced significant hardship, a chance to develop their social skills and learn about teamwork in a safe and fun environment.”
The program provides participants with a free snack and helps them to link up with services to address issues relating to drugs and alcohol, mental health and troubles at home.
The after-school service was established through a one-off grant from Parramatta City Council. A grant from the NSW Government’s Community Safety Fund (CSF) will enable the program to continue for 18 months and expand to a second location in the Parramatta Local Government Area which is yet to be determined by YMCA.
The $10 million Community Safety Fund has supported 72 projects across the State since 2015. The fund has provided non-government organisations, councils and community groups with grants of up to $250,000 to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
“The CSF is enabling NSW communities to play a key role in identifying and addressing local safety issues,” Mr Speakman said.
YMCA NSW Executive Leader Community Services Louisa McKay said they were delighted to receive this NSW Community Safety grant.
“We believe that investing in prevention and early intervention programs such as YMCA StreetgYm is an important part of improving outcomes for young people in NSW.”
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