Yabun Panjoo Elders to deliver Regional Reset program

The Yabun Panjoo Aboriginal Corporation is to deliver a new Regional Reset program in North Queensland to provide intensive support for at-risk youth showing early signs of disengagement, antisocial or criminal behaviour.

At risk youths will receive up to 12 months of tailored support, including four months of intensive mentoring.

As part of the program, they will also participate in a week-long ‘reset’ away from their home environment, where they will receive 24/7 support and supervision.

During their ‘reset’, they will participate in activities to develop their emotional, social, and physical wellbeing; including cultural mentoring with Elders, life and employment skills workshops, and anger management sessions.

• Government is making Queensland safer with a new intensive early intervention program for Townsville and Mount Isa.
• ‘Yabun Panjoo’ will deliver the Regional Reset program for at-risk youth aged 8-17.
• The 12-month program will include a ‘reset camp’ with Elders, cultural activities, intensive mentoring, life and employment skills workshops and anger management sessions.
• Program is part of a $560 million investment in new early intervention and rehabilitation programs to help make Queensland safer.

The program, running in Townsville and Mount Isa, will also offer a range of supports to help rebuild kinship and family connections, and educational and vocational skills to help young people re-engage with their communities and divert them from crime.

The $50 million Regional Reset program will be delivered in nine locations across the State and is one of several new early intervention programs funded in the Budget, to help restore safety where you live.

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Regional Reset program would help break the cycle of crime in North Queensland.

“Regional Reset will give troubled youth the opportunity to hit the reset button on their lives and be placed into a disciplined environment that promotes positive behaviours and attitudes,” Minister Gerber said.

“By implementing effective early intervention programs, alongside our tough new laws, we will have less youth offenders, fewer victims of crime and safer communities.”

Director of Yabun Panjoo David Boye said the program will be delivered by the Elders of North Queensland, alongside youth and family specialists.

Deep connections

“Our program is based on formulating deep connections with the individual to understand who they are, where they are from, and their family structure,” Mr Boye said.

“Our camps will be underpinned by the values of kinship, community, connection, and respect to highlight good social behaviours.”

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said he hoped the program would help to restore safety to the region.

“The Regional Reset program gives at-risk youth a reset from their current environment and the offending behaviours leading them towards crime and focuses on building their life and practical skills, so they can become productive members of their community,” Mr Baillie said.