Project Booyah helps turn Townsville’s troubled teens lives around

Townsville’s troubled teens have received much-needed guidance in a program that is turning lives around while improving crime statistics.

Project Booyah Townsville Police Coordinator Constable Jen Dare with graduates Bethany Freeman-Baker, 16, and Niamh Dundas, 15. Picture: Leighton Smith.

An early-intervention youth mentoring program is transforming the lives of Townsville’s teens, giving new-found purpose and confidence to its latest graduates Bethany Freeman-Baker and Niamh Dundas.

Launched in 2012, Project Booyah is a Queensland Police program that uses adventure-based learning, leadership skills, decision making/problem solving exercises, resilience training, policing strategies and family inclusive principles to help young people aged 14-17 years make better life choices.

The latest 16 week program culminated this week with a special graduation ceremony for its nine female participants at Brothers Leagues Club.

Dropping out from high school after falling behind and feeling like she was “not being seen”, Bethany Freeman-Baker, 16, said the program rekindled her interest in learning.

“(The Project) Booyah program felt like home, it was very welcoming. Instantly when we started talking with them, it made us feel like we were supposed to be there, like it was an actual school,” Bethany said.

Project Booyah Townsville Police Coordinator Constable Jen Dare with graduates Bethany Freeman-Baker, 16, and Niamh Dundas, 15. Picture: Leighton Smith.

“I’ve been able to let things go a lot easier. It’s helped me a lot with being social outside of school, with trying to find work, and focusing more on education.

“It brought out the confidence in me to be able to do it.”

With a First Aid Certificate and in the process of getting her Blue Card, Bethany was looking at TAFE courses to pursue a career in hairdressing or childcare.

A “troubled kid who used to run amok”, Niamh, 15, said the program made her realise that change was possible.

“It was really helpful hearing everyone’s perspective on what they’ve been through and getting to share my own.

“I’ve learnt that even though I did what I did as a youth, I could still come back from it … and turn things around.”

Project Booyah Townsville Police Coordinator Constable Jen Dare said their 2024 cohort was great, with “everyone surprised by what they had achieved”.

“The confidence that has grown from the beginning of the program to the end is phenomenal … most of them have now got part time jobs or have re-engaged back into school.

“It’s a great tool that we have as police. Our statistics indicate that offending history post-program is really low, victimisation is very low, even domestic violence … within their family is reduced as well.”

She hoped to see the project expanded in the future.

For more information, visit: projectbooyah.com.au

Originally published as Project Booyah helps turn Townsville’s troubled teens lives around