Programs over the summer holiday period in Central Australia are proving to keep families and young people engaged.
The Territory Government's coordinated Summer Plan for Alice Springs has been underway for the past three months, and includes targeted support and intervention for at risk young people and their families.
Operation Drina and Strike Force Viper are fully rostered to address youth offending and property crime. In the first nine weeks of the Summer in Central Australia Plan, anti-social behaviour has reduced by 30% compared to the same period last year and assaults on the person have reduced by 17%.
Community programs have shown to be working, with more than 390 programs delivered so far in Alice Springs and nearby communities. Over 1300 young people have attended these programs.
Regional Schools and Councils have stepped up to provide a range of community-led, air-conditioned, safe activities including the ice rink at the Alice Springs Convention Centre opening today for the school holidays, a Circus workshop in Kintore and a community owned movie projector for family movie nights among other fun community-based programs.
Jointly led by Police and Territory Families, Operation Lunar are currently working with 18 individuals and have referred 25 other young people who are now engaged in intensive case management through Oonchiumpa for culturally appropriate intervention and support including on country camps.
Return to country programs have assisted 224 people back to community.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:
"The Northern Territory Government is focused on reducing harm in our community, and keeping Territorians safe.
"All Government Departments, local government and the NGO community is participating in this plan and we are seeing some tide turning results.
"So far about 1 in 3 kids and teenagers in Alice Springs have engaged with our School Holiday Programs. This is the most activities we have ever had for families in Central Australia and many people are having a lot of fun.
"Alice Springs and Central Australia is fighting the battle to curb youth crime and our Government is focussed on tackling it from every angle. We have workers on the streets every night, identifying unsupervised young people, providing safe places and activities and catching those doing the wrong thing.
Quotes attributed to Deputy Chief Minister and Member for Gwoja, Chansey Paech:
"The Territory Government is determined to curb anti-social behaviour, and make meaningful and impactful change.
"Over 390 activities have been delivered over nine weeks, and we have engaged with over 1300 young people.
"When you do the wrong thing, there will be consequences. We want to see young people on the right path. We can give assistance and intensive diversion, this is what the Government is currently doing with 25 young people."
Northern Territory Government
