Kiss start: An Operation Newstart participant makes a furry friend during a program activity at Barwon Heads’ Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
AN INNOVATIVE intervention program for at-risk youth is itself at risk amid a $75,000 funding shortfall, according to its coordinator.
Geelong Police Senior Constable said the first Operation Newstart finished in the city on Friday with a graduation and civic reception for the initial seven participants.
Snr Const Brittain said five of the seven participants now had part-time jobs and all had decided to “re-engage” with school.
“They all wanted to leave school before they started on the program, they suffered trauma and had anger issues.”
Snr Const Brittain said the program attracted plenty of in-kind support from businesses but needed “at least $20,000” to continue operating.
Victoria Police and Victoria’s education department paid for Snr Const Brittain and teacher coordinator Warrick Knuckey to operate the program.
Geelong’s council assisted with a $17,000 councillor community grant and hosted the graduation at City Hall.
Sen Const Brittain said the participants attended the program for four days a week and at school for a fifth day.
“These are young people who are considered to be at significant risk of leaving school and coming to the attention of police.
“The program’s designed to engage them in a high-challenge, therapeutic adventure and personal development program that assists them to develop new skills, attitudes and self belief.”
Fourteen-year-old participant Joanne had failed to attend school for a year and a half before the program.
“I didn’t want to go but eventually I knew I had to do something but I didn’t know how.”
Joanne said she knew she was on her “last chance” when she was nominated for Operation Newstart.
She was now determined to finish school in pursuit of her dream career as a veterinarian.
Joanne said the program helped her understand what she wanted to do with her life.
“My brain did a somersault – that’s the only way I can explain it.”
Snr Const Brittain said the program included outdoor education as well as vocational training, information on apprenticeships and community service tasks.
