Early intervention support for at-risk young people to help them turn away from crime and build positive relationships and skills is a special focus of the latest round of the Federal Government's Safer Communities Fund.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Government was providing up to $20 million in funding for early intervention projects through Round 6 of the Safer Communities Fund.
Another $10 million is being provided for security infrastructure, such as closed circuit television (CCTV), fencing and alarm systems.
The early intervention grant opportunity opened on 28 May and will close on 22 July. The security infrastructure grant opportunity opens on 15 June and will close on 5 August.
The Safer Communities Fund is a long-standing program which has invested more than $215 million since 2016 and provided more than 600 grants directly to local communities.
"I urge and encourage Riverina and Central West communities to consider applying for a grant under the Safer Communities Fund, which has delivered many beneficial projects in the first five rounds to make our region's cities and towns safer and more secure," Mr McCormack said.
"They include CCTV for West Wyalong, Grenfell and Parkes."
The Government works closely with local councils and community organisations to identify infrastructure projects which can be supported through the Safer Communities Fund.
"Communities should be able to feel safe from violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour and this fund is designed to deliver projects and programs to reduce the risk of these threats," Mr McCormack said.
Communities should be able to feel safe.
- Michael McCormack MP
"I am particularly pleased to announce the funding opportunity for early intervention projects because Australia's youth are our future and we must give at-risk kids every chance to lead stable and happy lives, which is something we are all entitled to but, sadly, not all of us have while growing up."
The early intervention funding stream will help assist young people at high risk from engaging in criminal or anti-social behaviour, as well as building resilience, making cultural connections and honing job readiness skills.
The infrastructure funding will not only improve security and protect communities through projects such as CCTV, fencing and bollards, but also create local jobs in the Riverina and Central West.
Grant opportunity guidelines for the early intervention and infrastructure funding streams are available online at www.business.gov.au
Guidelines will include information about how to apply, eligibility and assessment criteria.
