Bourke

$540,000 has been approved to the Bourke community for a range of crime prevention and community development strategies over three years from 2002 to 2005.

All of the initiatives funded in Bourke have been identified through working with the local community.

Community organisations, Local Government and State Government agencies worked to together to find solutions to priority issues affecting Bourke.  The Bourke Community Working Group, Bourke Shire Council and local businesses have supported the process.  In April 2002 the Bourke Shire Council organised a meeting to identify priority issues that needed to be addressed and to agree on initiatives that would assist to solve those issues.

The initiatives will address these issues identified by the community:

• Encouraging young people to stay in school
• Provide support and mentoring to at risk young people and their families
• Preventing drug and alcohol abuse
• Reducing crime and anti social behaviour
• Provide recreational options particularly for young people
• Addressing the needs of the Aboriginal community
• Improve coordination of Government services

The initiatives build on the River Towns project which embraces Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Wilcannia.  They will promote improved coordination and partnerships between community working groups, the business sector and state and local government agencies to address local priorities.

The initiatives that will support crime prevention and community development in Bourke are:

• $70,000 for the refurbishment of the Widjeri Hall to enable the conduct of community events and celebrations.
• $30,000 over 2 years to extend the current Mentor Program from year 8 students at Bourke High School to year 9 students.
• $10,000 to purchase additional computer related equipment for the Bourke High School Tutoring Unit, to increase access to technology and improve school retention for at risk students.
• $5,000 to upgrade St Ignatius Oval to enable youth to play football, cricket and basketball.  This matches funding provided by the Water Catchments Board.
• $240,000 to establish a Senior Youth Programs Officer position for three years to provide constructive activities and educational/ training programs for young people (15-24 years of age).
• $5,000 to provide uniforms and equipment to encourage participation in sports of Indigenous and highly disadvantaged young people.
• $40,000 to develop and implement a Sport and Recreation Strategic Plan for the Bourke Shire that will enhance sport and recreation opportunities for the community, particularly disadvantaged members.
• $140,000 for the establishment of a Coordinator position to support the development and implementation of intensive case management of at risk youths and families as part of the River Towns project inter agency justice network. It is anticipated that around 70 cases in the River Towns will be dealt with during the two year period.  In most instances each case will involve more than one individual and will be family focussed.

For further information

Contact	:	Community Solutions, Communities Division, Department of Community Services
Email	:	communitysolutions@communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au

WWW

:

http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au