Funding for Queensland Police’s Project Booyah program is to become permanent following the program’s initial success.
Project Booyah is a police-led early intervention program that works in partnership with the Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association.
Minister for Police, Mark Ryan said more than $4.13 million over four years and $1.29 million ongoing will be provided for the ‘Framing the Future’ component of Project Booyah.
“This means the post-program support for graduates will now be a permanent fixture of Project Booyah,” Mr Ryan said.
He said a new school-based adaption of Project Booyah, called RESPECT, would also be funded permanently and delivered in locations across the State.
“Project Booyah is a life-changing experience for so many young people and I commend the graduates for stepping up and committing themselves to be forces for good in our community,” the Minister said.
“The program targets ‘at-risk’ young people with an intensive 16-week course designed to build the life skills they need to turn their lives around.”
He said Project Booyah had an outstanding track record of delivering for young Queenslanders, but the hard work did not end with graduation from the program.
“Framing the Future, the post-Project Booyah support program for graduates, is now permanently funded to mentor graduates and to continue to connect them with employment, education and training opportunities,” Mr Ryan said.
“This permanent funding will help support young Queenslanders and build stronger and safer communities.”
The Police announced that Project Booyah is to be extended to Mackay next year.