Community safety on the Central Coast will directly benefit from the Albanese Government’s $28.3 million Youth Empowerment Program.

The Youth Empowerment Program provides funding for programs for youth aged 10 to 17 who are engaged in, or at-risk of becoming engaged in, criminal or anti-social behaviour.

Regional Youth Support Services INC (RYSS) on the Central Coast has been chosen as one of 35 organisations across the nation to benefit from this groundbreaking program to support young people, and improve community safety.

RYSS will receive $988,650.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP:

“RYSS was chosen to receive funding under the Youth Empowerment program because it has a strong and established presence in our local community and has proven its ability to deliver effective and innovative youth engagement activities.

“This investment will make a positive impact on the lives of young people aged 10 to 17 by promoting connections with family, education and community, and help to break their involvement in criminal and anti-social behaviours.”

“The Youth Empowerment Program complements the Albanese Government’s U25-GO program which supports crime prevention and drug diversion programs for youth under the age of 25 at risk of engaging with the criminal justice system.

“The Albanese Government is committed to tackling crime and is delivering significant investments to strengthen community safety and improve access to justice for all Australians”, Dr Reid said.

Quotes attributable to RYSS CEO, Kim McLoughry:

“This funding is great news and timely for our community, as well as for the redevelopment of Gosford.

“With this resourcing, it will ensure RYSS has a permanent hub in Gosford and will enable our permanency plan.

“We have several sites in Gosford we are considering, and we are working with Central Coast Council to finalise.

Background:

The RYSS Youth Leadership & Resilience Hub will transform the lives of at-risk young people aged 10–17 years across the Central Coast, NSW.

Building on 38 years of specialised youth service delivery and RYSS’ proven success running a Youth Hub, we will provide targeted programs in leadership development, employment readiness, wellness, creative arts, and digital literacy.

The Youth Hub will address the root causes of youth anti-social and criminal behaviour, equipping young people with the tools to break cycles of disadvantage and significantly reduce criminal activity through mentorship, engagement, and skill-building.

ENDS