Young people from across South Australia will benefit from a $1,465,608 boost for Operation Flinders delivered by the Federal Government in the recent Budget under the Safer Communities Fund.
The funding boost means Operation Flinders will be supported to transform the lives of young people from the age of 13 – 18 through its programs held in the northern Flinders Ranges.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said Operation Flinders is almost universally recognised as an exemplar of an intervention program to turn the lives of young people around.
“Operation Flinders is a first-class initiative which has been running since 1991 helping kids with behavioural issues experience the positive effects of outdoor and personal challenges,” he said.
“Since that time the program has seen hundreds of participants develop personal attitudes, self-esteem, motivation and team work to help ensure they can participate in the community as valued members.
“The 8-day program includes a trek up to 100km, abseiling, Indigenous culture, bushcraft and self-confidence building.”
CEO at Operation Flinders David Wark said “We’re thrilled to be a beneficiary of this funding. Most importantly this contribution will allow us to see our programs continue to support young people and local communities over the coming years,” he said.
“Without support and funding Operation Flinders are unable to support the 600 young people through our program each year, the 60 teams from schools and that participate in the program, the dozens of referrals into our Step Out program and the upkeep and maintenance of Yankininna Station that is mantained and operated by over 50 volunteers.
“This funding will ensure our commitment to these young people and continue to help us deliver programs that are in such demand by communities, families and schools who have heard of the great success of Operation Flinders and our programs.”
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood said the additional funding was in response to overwhelming demand from the community and will support organisations with demonstrated experience in helping marginalised youth, to build resilience, strengthen community connections and job readiness skills.
“These community organisations do vital work in helping get young people on the right track. We know that some young people engage in activities or have negative experiences that leave them at risk of joining gangs, committing serious crimes and disengaging from the wider community,” Assistant Minister Wood said.
The funding will be delivered under the latest round of the Safer Communities Fund which has invested more than $315 million to over 800 local communities to deliver grass roots crime prevention initiatives since 2016.
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744 April 8, 2022
