Queensland based charity TRACTION For Young People is expanding its vital work with at-risk youth in Ipswich, thanks to an $850,000 Federal Government grant.
Through its successful ‘Build’ program, the organisation runs workshops in schools to help young people learn new skills and confidence, and complete projects, like building a bike, which they get to keep.
TRACTION currently works in several local schools, including Bremer State High School, Ipswich State High School, Redbank Plains State High School, Bellbird Park State High School, Ripley Valley State Secondary College and Springfield Central State High School.
Last week, Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann visited a workshop for Bremer State High School students to see first-hand the valuable work they are doing, along with Founder Sandy Murdoch and CEO Annabel Prescott.
“It was terrific to visit Bremer State High School to meet some incredible young people and the dedicated mentors from TRACTION for Young People,” Mr Neumann said.
“TRACTION is one of 35 organisations recently funded through the Albanese Labor Government's Youth Empowerment Program, and I’m thrilled this funding will help them expand their programs in Ipswich, and help more youth in our region.
“I can see TRACTION is already making a real difference in the lives of the young people I met by helping them build confidence, competence, and momentum. Through hands-on projects, they’re gaining valuable skills and a real sense of achievement.
“It's inspiring to see how TRACTION is fostering strong connections with families, schools and the wider community, giving young people the support they need to thrive.
“TRACTION takes an evidence-based, early intervention and prevention approach to help young people in our region realise their potential, and it was wonderful to see first-hand the impact this program is having.”
TRACTION was selected to receive funding under the Youth Empowerment Program because it has a strong and established presence in a number of communities, and has proven its ability to deliver effective and innovative youth engagement activities.
Mr Neumann said TRACTION had a strong track record of working with at-risk youth to help them make healthy choices and focus on their schooling, diverting them away from anti-social activities.
“They are playing a key role in addressing the growing issue of many younger people disengaging with the education system and at an increasingly earlier age,” he said.
“TRACTION is helping to keep young people on the right track, and on the straight and narrow.”
The Albanese Government’s Youth Empowerment Program provides funding for programs for youth aged 10 to 17 who are engaged in, or at risk of becoming engaged in, criminal or anti-social behaviour.
It complements the Government’s U25-GO program, which supports crime prevention and drug diversion programs for youth under the age of 25 at risk of engaging with the criminal justice system.
