A Queensland Youth Partnership program aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour was held over the school holidays.
The partnership with retailers, youth services and police delivered a range of activities such as sport, art and music.
The program brought together local community groups, Government services, police and shopping centres in North Lakes, Townsville, Rockhampton, Chermside, Coomera and Helensvale.
Member for Bancroft, Chris Whiting said the program delivered at North Lakes over the school holidays showed the positive outcomes that could come from the community working together.
“Shopping centres are places where everybody expects to feel safe, and that’s how it should be,” Mr Whiting said.
“Young people who don’t have safe place to go often gravitate to shopping centres, which can be a bit of a problem sometimes.”
He said the initiative was a great way for police, Government services and community leaders to connect with young people, offer support and guidance.
“Youth workers and police have been really positive about the program, and they say they’ve seen significant behaviour changes for the better,” Mr Whiting said.
“Even better, some retailers have offered young people work experience as a result of this program.”
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women, Di Farmer said the YMCA was instrumental in running activities at Northlakes, which included basketball competitions, pool and table tennis and hip hop workshops.
“Boredom can sometimes lead to trouble in our shopping centres, but this program provides positive and constructive things for young people to do which has had a positive impact inside and outside the shopping centres,” Ms Farmer said.
The impact and design of the program will be further assessed before the next school holidays in April.
