April 8, 2022
The Federal Government will invest $400,000 in Cherbourg in a bid to help young people improve their mental health and reduce the risk of self-harm.
The new grant will support the development of a Youth Advisory Group to administer a range of programs.
These include youth leadership workshops, an Annual Cherbourg Youth Festival, an online art store, the Cherbourg NAIDOC Ball, cultural exchanges, and a twice-annual Youth Forum.
Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced the grant on Thursday.
“The Youth Advisory Group will influence priority projects providing young people with a platform to advocate their concerns and ensuring that they are represented, valued and respected,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This will be done through a range of activities and by creating networks and partnerships in the community, giving youth a voice and inclusion on community decisions, as well as mentorship.”
He said the Indigenous Youth Connection to Culture program had been co-designed with the Cherbourg community to improve mental health by reconnecting youth with their traditional culture.
Cherbourg Council CEO Chatur Zala said the $400,000 funding would allow three years of programs for youth, including mentorship and sporting events.
“These activities are designed to improve the wellbeing of young Indigenous people in Cherbourg, which will build resilience and reduce anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Llew for his support to our community to get this very important funding.”
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What about Kingaroy, Nanango, Murgon etc? The mental health system for the young people in the South Burnett (and everywhere) is absolutely atrocious of which the Government and Health System should be highly embarrassed.