Mackay school founder Justin Giblett pushes education amid crime crisis

The founder of a North Queensland school for disadvantaged youths doesn’t just denounce locking kids up as the solution to the crime crisis but also believes he has proof of a better way.

The Kutta Mulla Gorinna school could soon have a new campus as they secure a 30 year lease on land near CQUniversity in Mackay. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Justin Giblett says he’s seen first-hand how specialised schooling can help keep kids out of detention and away from a life of crime.

Standing on a parcel of land which has just been leased for 30 years to Kutta Mulla Gorinna (KMG), a Mackay school supporting First Nations, disadvantaged and at-risk youths, the founder and director said he believed education was the key to addressing the crime crisis.

“Can we educate kids in lock up? No, we can’t,” Mr Giblett said.

“Lock ups are filled with like-minded young people that will influence those who might have just entered the justice system.”

Students were already playing touch rugby on the ground that could one day become their new school house. Photo: Fergus Gregg

KMG was opened in 2019 and is planning a new campus at the CQUni site on Sydney St.

“When we first started five years ago, the justice statistics in the region were a lot more than what they are currently,” he said.

“Going from 50 something (recidivist) youth offenders to a dozen.

“I’m not saying KMG is the reason, but we have seen a lot of those youths come through our doors and onto further education, have families and contribute to our society.”

The land will be transformed into a multistorey school building, expanding the school’s its existing capacity and providing new facilities.

Mr Giblett said that if he had his way the construction of the new building would begin next year, and it would cost an estimated $40,000,000.

“I’m so thankful for the Queensland Government to help us find a new home so we can continue to help support young people in their educational journey,” he said.

“Being a private school we are funded 80 per cent by the Commonwealth and 20 per cent by the State.

“If the Miles government is willing to contribute $20,000,000 … who knows?”

The plot of land outside of Central Queensland University has sat vacant for year, but if all goes well could be a new school building. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Joining Mr Giblett was Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert who highlighted KMG’s role in engaging with at risk youth and youth involved in the criminal justice system.

“This is just another way we are engaging with at risk youth because we know education is so important for people’s futures,” Mrs Gilbert said.

Meanwhile, the school will continue putting a “major emphasis on engaging with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture”, Mr Giblett said.

“We’ve seen how much of a difference Kutta Mulla Gorinna School has made to so many young people’s lives.”

Originally published as Mackay school founder Justin Giblett pushes education amid crime crisis