‘Keeping out of trouble and getting back to school’: Project Booyah June 2025 graduation

Youth crime intervention program ‘Project Booyah’ has graduated another class of Townsville boys - this time, with an amazing 90 per cent success rate. Hear from the boys themselves.

Drew will be completing the Project Booyah program in Townsville, which is co-ordinated by Constable Jennifer Dare.

Youth crime intervention program ‘Project Booyah’ has graduated another class of Townsville boys - this time, with an amazing 90 per cent success rate.

The 16-week program is specifically run by Queensland Police to mentor teenage boys who are at risk of becoming involved with youth crime.

Of the 10 boys who started the program back in February, nine have made it to graduation day.

Kaylam, 17, is one of those boys.

“I’m feeling pretty good to be here today and graduating,” he said.

“My next step is getting my driver’s licence and a full-time job.”

Project Booyah 2024 June grad: (L-R) Kaylam, Constable Jen Dare, senior police liaison officer Ngaire Nogar, and Norman.

When asked what career he was interested in, Kaylam said he was “leaning towards” being a police officer.

“Being here has shown me they do more than just arrest people,” he said.

“My favourite part of the program is when we camped up at Hervey Range and we did a high ropes course...we learnt how to conquer our fears and make new friends.”

Norman, 16, said the police mentoring course had helped him build self esteem and get back into school.

“My highlight was the abseiling, and camping,” he said.

“My next step is keeping out of trouble and getting back to school.”

Constable Jennifer Dare works as the co-ordinator of Townsville’s Project Booyah program, and said it was really exciting to see the boys in their suits for graduation with their families.

“The boys look great in their suits, and it’s great to see them proud of themselves,” she said.

“Project Booyah is all about adventure-based learning, so we do abseiling, cliff jumping, mountain biking, and we’re trying to get them to understand there are good ways to get out of your comfort zone and get an adrenaline rush.”

Enrolment now begins for the next group of Project Booyah kids - children can be referred to the program at projectbooyah.com.au

Originally published as ‘Keeping out of trouble and getting back to school’: Project Booyah June 2025 graduation