I am pleased to announce that the first grant awarded under the Australian Government's $20 million National Community Crime Prevention Programme (NCCPP) is to the Hills Community Support Group in Western Australia.
The Group's innovative partnership project will receive $331,000 under the Community Partnerships Stream of the NCCPP. Working with the Swan Chamber of Commerce, the Western Australian Police and the Midland Redevelopment Authority this programme will provide a variety of opportunities for young people in the Swan and Hills areas in Perth.
It will focus on early intervention, mentoring support, team building and "job ready" training opportunities with the overall aim of building positive skills and self-esteem in young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming involved in crime.
The Hills Community Support Group has already demonstrated its ability through innovative programmes and services for youth at risk, older people and those with disabilities, and is a fine example of an organisation which has developed great partnerships with the local community, business and government.
The Australian Government has committed $20 million over four years to the NCCPP, which has as its key centrepiece a national community grants scheme to support community projects designed to prevent crime and improve community safety and security.
There has been an overwhelming community response to the establishment of NCCPP with over 180 applications received by 30 June 2004.
Further grants under the NCCPP will be announced shortly.