Grants help young offenders look to the future

Wednesday, 18 January 2017
 
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• ​$136,772 Lotterywest grant towards equipment to expand social and recreational opportunities for young West Australians

A diversionary program helping young offenders obtain their driver's license will be expanded, thanks to a $136,772 grant from Lotterywest.

Presenting the grant to the Federation of Western Australian Police and Community Youth Centres (PCYC), Youth Minister Paul Miles said the funding would aid in the delivery of the 'Drive to the Future' program.

Delivered in partnership with WA Police, the program gives at-risk youths a chance to attain a motor vehicle license and reaches in excess of 80 participants per month.

"The Liberal National Government recognises the importance of meaningful engagement and community participation of young people," Mr Miles said.

"The PCYC has been instrumental in shaping, developing and influencing young people and their involvement in WA communities for more than seven decades.

"The 'Drive to the Future' program has been incredibly successful, resulting in decreased criminal activity, enhanced employment opportunities, reduced antisocial behaviour and improved self-esteem, confidence and self-worth of participants."

The grant will allow the PCYC to repair its existing driving simulator and purchase a second mobile unit, which will allow the program to be delivered in regional locations.

It will also enable the purchase of iPads for regional managers to assist them in becoming more flexible in their operation.

The Minister said the State Government provided more than $65,000 to the PCYC in 2016 for the operation of nine Police Ranger units in WA, which provided training and support to young people engaged in the program.

"More than $10 million has also been provided to the WA PCYC to upgrade and further develop its facilities across WA," Mr Miles said.

Fact File

• WA is the only State where money raised from lottery products is distributed directly back to the community to support not-for-profit organisations
• In 2015-16, Lotterywest provided $281.41 million for beneficiaries including WA's hospitals, arts and sport and recreational groups