Townsville On Country program taking kids on ‘getaway’ to Mission Beach

A multimillion dollar program spruiked as a solution to Townsville’s youth crime has caused controversy, with sources claiming the kids are getting a “tropical getaway.”

A multimillion dollar program spruiked as a solution to Townsville’s youth crime has caused controversy, with sources claiming the kids are getting a “tropical getaway.”

A source close to the On Country program has revealed the six-week trial program, pipped to take troubled kids to their cultural heartland, is being held on the outskirts of the idyllic beachside paradise of Mission Beach.

The highly-anticipated program was announced by Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper in July as a $5.6 million investment for three locations over four years.

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When asked about these new revelations, Mr Harper said he didn’t care where it happened, as long as it worked.

The program was sold as a major asset in the government’s five-point plan to tackle youth crime in Townsville and a way to “strengthen young people’s cultural” connection.

The $1.5 million Townsville tender was given to Atherton company, Gr8 Motive, who told the Bulletin in July about their plans for success, saying it had more than six rural stations come on board as a cultural destination.

Sources claim the organisation moved part of the “on country” program to Clump Mountain.

View from the top of Clump Mountain.

A source claimed it was a holiday, instead of taking them away from communities to “break the cycle completely”.

“If people in our community found out these kids were being taken to a tropical paradise, they would be upset,” the source said.

“Especially the victims, I feel sorry for them.”

Stunning view of the beach in Mission Beach.

In September, the Bulletin revealed the program, spruiked as a six-week on country initiative, involved just a few days of actual time away from the community.

MP Aaron Harper announced the On Country program in July last year.

Mr Harper disagreed, saying he understood Mission Beach had a strong connection to local history, referring to a 1918 cyclone which killed many Indigenous families.

“The program is called On Country because it is about creating a connection for those young people who have disengaged from community to take part in and learn about their culture and history,” Mr Harper said.

Opposition spokesman for Police Dale Last said it made a huge waste of money.

“Clearly majority of juvenile offenders have no connection to Mission Beach … it makes a complete mockery of the program,” he said.

“There is no concern for ‘on country’ or learning about their culture … they are being rewarded with a holiday.

Burdekin MP Dale Last.

“Taxpayers have a right to be outraged at this blatant waste of money.”

A spokeswoman from the Youth Justice Department said the program was being held at “various locations”, including cattle stations.

They said all employees working on the trial were Indigenous, and the “aim” was to ensure young people had “the opportunity” to attend camps on their traditional lands.

“All young people engaged in the trials are provided with one-on-one support and supervision by On Country elders and community leaders, who facilitate connection with culture and country while on camps, in the community and while engaging with education and training.”

Gr8Motive were contacted for comment, but did not return calls.

Originally published as Townsville On Country program taking kids on ‘getaway’ to Mission Beach