Minister for Territory Families Dale Wakefield has announced an investment of $455,000 for a facilities upgrade at the Mt Theo Outstation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NT Government is aiming to create safer communities by reforming the youth justice system and investing in evidence-based action.
The funds will allow Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation (WYDAC) to upgrade their Mt Theo Outstation infrastructure so that they can continue their youth diversion program for at-risk young Warlpiri people, on country.
“Every Territorian has the right to feel safe and expect their homes, businesses and property to be secure,” Ms Wakefield said.
“We need to get young people on the right path and away from the cycle of crime, and to become productive members of our community – not life-long criminals.
“This is why we are investing in the Mt Theo facility to enable WYDAC to continue their successful program.
“The Mt Theo Outstation program delivers positive pathways for at-risk young Warlpiri people by steering them away or exiting the Youth Justice system, through reconnecting them with their kinship networks, culture, and land.
“On top of this funding for the Mt Theo Outstation infrastructure upgrade, we are also investing a record $18.2 million annually into youth diversion and alternatives to detention. This is doubling the amount under the previous CLP Government.”
Read More:
Since 1993 Mt Theo Outstation has taken in over 500 young Indigenous people from over 14 different communities.
The Mt Theo Outstation program includes:
• Taking young at-risk young people to the remote Mt Theo Outstation to provide professional case management and rehabilitation on country
• Providing at-risk young people with a stable, supportive and positive environment to re-engage them with culture, health, education and family relationships
• Directing care and education by Warlpiri Elders
• Aftercare transition to other WYDAC services
WYDAC Chief Executive Officer Matt Davidson said he is thrilled to have received the funding, which will see renovations to the Mt Theo rehab centre and also upgrade power and water to the facility.
“Mt Theo is such an important centre for Warlpiri people. It's a place of healing and cultural renewal, and for the past 25 years has helped keep our young people out of mainstream juvenile justice facilities.
“Young people are referred to Mt Theo from the three Warlpiri communities of Willowra, Nyrripi and Yuendumu, and hopefully next year from Lajamanu as well.”
