Labor promises lifeline for Wyndham youth outreach program

A program aimed at tackling teen anti-social behaviour and boosting social inclusion in Melbourne’s west will be given a lifeline under a Labor government.

Youth Off the Streets hold social basketball games and barbecues to engage with disadvantaged teens. Picture: Zak Simmonds

A popular youth outreach program in Wyndham will be given a $95,000 lifeline under a Labor government.

Youth Off the Streets works throughout Australia to prevent anti-social behaviour and boost community cohesion by connecting with at-risk youth with support services.

Friendly barbecues and street basketball games are some of the ways the non-denominational organisation engages youth in a bid to foster social inclusion.

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The Wyndham program has been hampered by a lack of adequate facilities, with youth workers forced to borrow equipment from their colleagues in New South Wales and Queensland.

Father Chris Riley. Picture: Brett Costello

But Labor has today announced $95,000 for office equipment and a new barbecue and activities trailer to be based in Wyndham.

This commitment is on top of the $8 million pledge to support other programs set to be rolled out by Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets program.

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Lalor federal Labor MP Joanne Ryan said the program had already helped “countless young people” since it launched in Wyndham last year.

“Youth Off the Streets has demonstrated a commitment to breaking the cycle of disadvantage for many young people in our community by offering support and help to access the services they need,” she said.

Today’s announcement follows several