A program that helps disengaged youths towards education and employment has been bolstered by the support of local business and community groups.
Project Booyah started on the Gold Coast in 2012 and now operates in 11 locations across the state.
Project Booyah Sunshine Coast is supported by Bli Bli organisations, including Bli Bli Neighbourhood Watch, Parklakes Central – with developers Peter Shadforth and Robert Flipp donating $4000 over the next two years – and Bli Bli Priceline Pharmacy, where manager Kam Shirzadi has donated a host of toiletry items for male and female participants.
Coordinator Greg Newman said the program involved 10 to 12 local youths every six months. They take part two days a week, reconnecting with their community and transitioning into education or work.
“The program uses a variety of educational strategies not always seen in the normal school setting but these strategies have continued to produce outstanding results over the past 12 years,” he said.
“We have seen enormous success in all aspects of the program including a reduction in offending, victimisation, re-engagement in education as well as improved employment opportunities.
“At the start of the course, we often experience challenging behaviours and it’s really rewarding to see how much their demeanor changes and self-confidence increases when they graduate from the program.
“Project Booyah provides a unique opportunity to change perceptions and relationships between young people and police and we often see lasting relationships formed.”
Bli Bli Neighbourhood Watch area coordinator Edith Blanck, who has been a long-term supporter of Project Booyah, said the results of the program spoke for themselves.
“We all know about the youth crime crisis which seems to be spread across the state, but this program is unique and it is getting great results,” she said.
“There’s no doubt these children face many challenges either at home, in their communities or peer groups, so it’s been wonderful to see so many participants complete the program and reengage into further education or employment.
“Best of all Greg and his team work with them until they achieve that goal.
“As always, funding for these types of programs is limited so it’s great that organisations like Parklakes Central contribute to the overall success of young people within our community.
“Peter Shadforth and Robert Flipp have been involved in the Parklakes developments for many years and their ongoing support has included working with us on our Bli Bli Unite FunRun in aid of Victims of Domestic Violence and with our Youth Program Skate Park competition.
“They’ve always been very supportive of the local community and they have indicated they will continue to do so into the future.”
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