Vulnerable Western Australians to benefit from proceeds of crime

• Six community projects receive almost $1 million from seized property
• Grants to help victims of crime, domestic violence survivors and at-risk youth
• Funds to be distributed from Armadale to Carnarvon
  

Victims of crime including families impacted by homicide and children exposed to domestic violence are among the beneficiaries of grants, with almost $1 million seized from criminals to be given to community groups.

Attorney General John Quigley today announced the latest recipients of the State Government's Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program administered by the Department of Justice.

Six grants totalling $983,045 will be offered to not-for-profit groups to run projects in Perth and regional Western Australia, with the aim of assisting some of our most vulnerable citizens and diverting people from the criminal justice system.

Recipients from this round of funding are:

• Parkerville Children and Youth Care will receive $190,322 to support children, young people and families impacted by homicide. A pilot project will provide intervention and support from a Clinical Psychologist, helping those who are not eligible to receive other services.
• Ruah Community Services will receive $194,312 for its Breaking the Cycle of Family and Domestic Violence Intervention Project. This program responds to calls for evidence-based early intervention approaches, recognising that young people can be both victims and potentially perpetrators of family violence. The aim is to reduce intergenerational transmission.
• The Shire of Carnarvon will receive $110,000 for its The Future Is Me program, delivering activities such as building community furniture, public art and community gardens in areas impacted by criminal activity. The program supports a more safe, harmonious, engaged and inclusive community.
• Wadjak Northside Aboriginal Corporation will receive $180,587 to extend its Wadjak Pathways Project which currently works with 50 at-risk male Aboriginal youths. Now, a group of 20 at-risk female Aboriginal youths will be supported by an additional team of female Aboriginal leaders and mentors.
• Gosnells Community Legal Centre will receive $107,824 for the Armadale Holistic FDV Outreach Service. This project enables people at high risk to access legal support and information across a range of areas including Violence Restraining Orders, Criminal Injury Compensation and child custody arrangements.
• The City of Swan will receive $200,000 for its Ballajura Youth Outreach Project. Identifying and engaging with young people at risk of participating in anti-social behaviours, professional Youth Outreach workers aim to create sustainable solutions - improving outcomes, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
  

The grants are funded by money and property seized under the Criminal Property Confiscation Act 2000.

Local governments and not-for-profit groups can apply for grants of up to $200,000 for projects which support victims of crime, prevent or reduce drug-related crime or aid law enforcement.

More information about the Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program is available at https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-justice/criminal-property-confiscation-grants-program  

Comments attributed to Attorney General John Quigley:

"I'm pleased to see these worthy programs funded, allowing grassroots organisations to make a real difference in their communities.

"From the city to the country, several of the recipients engage with and assist young people, keeping their lives on track and helping to break the cycles of violence and crime.

"Importantly, the programs are specific and targeted, often providing access to vital services that vulnerable people wouldn't otherwise receive."

Attorney General's office - 6552 6800