8/09/05
Programs and services provided by an Aboriginal corporation to reduce youth crime and suicide in Geraldton for the past 18 years will be expanded following the construction of a new residential facility.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan officially opened the Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporation’s new residential facility at their Gunnadoo Farm near Walkaway today.
Mr Logan said the six-bedroom house would allow the corporation to introduce ‘farm-stay’ programs aimed at removing ‘at risk’ youth from regular access to services and amenities.
The Minister said this would help address the serious issue of cyclical offending.
“The corporation’s work tackling indigenous youth issues is already well-known and has been recognised with prestigious local and national awards,” he said.
“The agency’s alternative programs for youth have already assisted in reducing crime rates, creating a safer community and, most importantly, developing the skills, abilities and self-esteem of indigenous youth.”
The corporation was established in 1987 to provide positive solutions to the issues of youth crime, anti-social behaviour and youth suicide and facilitate reconciliation.
It was granted funding from the Department of Housing and Works (DHW) under the Crisis Accommodation Program to construct the residential facility to assist Aboriginal families and their children, aged between 12 and 24 years, at risk of offending.
P S Chester and Son was awarded the $386,683 building contract for the six-bedroom house and a three-bedroom caretaker house, designed by architects Eastman Poletti Sherwood.
The corporation provided the land, $7,480 for ceiling fans, a larger than standard living room and a cash contribution of $20,000. The Department of Housing and Works arranged the landscaping at a cost of $10,560.
Mr Logan said the importance of accommodation of the sort provided by the Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporation extended beyond those who benefited directly from it.
“The corporation is clearly doing some wonderful work and I am glad to be involved in the expansion of their work by opening the residential facility,” he said.
“The Gallop Government is committed to improving the quality of services to all Western Australians wherever they live.”
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