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‘positive’ Night space program secures more funding
By PETER ROWE
A pilot program for disengaged youth in the Fitzroy Valley has secured additional funding to allow it to continue its operations until the end of the year.
Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation opened the Night Space to young people in Fitzroy Crossing at the beginning of September, providing a place where children can feel safe and engage with services to improve their social and emotional wellbeing in aculturally appropriate and trauma-informed way.
Data from the first four weeks of operation of the space in the Fitzroy Valley shows 165 individual children have engaged with the service, with a total of 845 interactions with young people recorded.
Attorney General John Quigley sought funding for the program from the Department of Justice following a July visit to the Kimberley region with Kimberely MLA Divina D’Anna, Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and WA Senator and President of the Senate Sue Lines.
“I visited Fitzroy Crossing in July and saw firsthand the positive work being undertaken by organisations like Marra Worra Worra in helping to engage and support young people in the town,” Mr Quigley said.
“In the first four weeks of the pilot program, 165 children, some as young as six years old, engaged with the service, with 1,250 meals were prepared.”
The Fitzroy Crossing night space opening ceremony last month.
Marra Worra Worra received an initial grant of $100,000 from WA Police to pilot the program and $87,603 from the Kimberley Development Commission for building refurbishment.
Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation programs general manager Nicola Angell said there was a need for more support and services for young people in the Fitzroy Valley, particularly disengaged and street present young people.
“The program is designed by the community for the community. It is grassroots, culturally appropriate and trauma-informed,” Ms Angell said.
The Leedal Pty Ltd also donates $1,000 a week to purchase food and other groceries from the local IGA so that these can be given to the young people who spend time in the Night Space and associated Night Patrol program.
The additional $98,000 in funding would keep the doors of the Night Space open until the end of the year while Government considers longer term funding. Until then, the Department of Justice will continue to develop its partnership with Marra Worra Worra.
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