Just Reinvest NSW and the Aboriginal Legal Service have been working hard to implement a community-led justice reinvestment approach in Moree over the past seven months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 20 people formed a committee following the initial meeting to continue discussions about what the program would look like.
The focus so far has been on young people and the need to put young people's voices at the centre of decision making going forward.
Just Reinvest NSW, in partnership with Miyay Birray Youth Service, has submitted an application for the My Community Project grants program, which aims to fund projects in each NSW electorate to help improve the wellbeing of the people and communities that live there.
They're calling for community votes to help the project get across the line and get the $88,945 in funding they have requested for the 'Youth and Community Connector' program, which will lead coordination and collaboration between organisations working with young people in Moree and connect young people to key services.
The project aims to:
- Map current services and gaps and connect young people and their families through the service sector
- Make sure young people's voices are incorporated into decision making, including working with the government, to plan and deliver better services for young people
- Engage and empower young people to express and act on their needs and aspirations
- Support a 'one stop shop' approach for young people to get the support they need.
The ALS office in Moree has now employed a new worker temporarily for two days a week, with a hope to extend the role.
"We need that ongoing role on the ground so we really want to support that ongoing work," Just Reinvest NSW community engagement manager Jenny Lovric said.
The idea is for that role to help connect everything that's going on in the community for young people.
"Joining up the services, helping to map who's doing what and where," Ms Lovric said.
"It's about being the person in Moree that can help connect up that work."
Just Reinvest NSW will be back in Moree next week to run another justice reinvestment meeting on Wednesday, as well as a youth council meeting to hear exactly what is wanted from the young people in the community.
To vote for the 'Youth and Community Connector' program, go to https://mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au, select Northern Tablelands electorate and shortlist your favourite projects. You will need to register with Service NSW and have your Medicare card with you.
