The difficulties facing youth in small towns and remote areas are well documented. Lack of employment opportunities and facilities can easily lead to alcohol and drug abuse and other anti social behaviour. In turn, this can lead to parental despair and community disharmony.
Queensland’s Woorabinda Council has tackled this problem with the establishment of a Centre located 15 kilometres from the town at Blackboy Creek. Here young people have the chance to gain a new and positive direction.
Established in 1993, the Centre aims to provide a circuit breaker for children and parents enduring apparently irreconcilable difficulties. At the very least, it provides both parties with respite from problem situations. In 1998, this project took out the Queensland Community Development Excellence Award for Councils with less than 200 employees. Woorabinda has just 30 staff.
At the Centre, Laura Jareet and her partner work with young people to develop life skills, improve self esteem and gain a more positive attitude to life. They cater for around 12 participants at a time, though Laura said they have had up to 26 on occasion.
Each day they go to school, while back at the Centre they are all expected to undertake a share of the chores. The length of time spent at the Centre varies. Some participants have stayed for up to two years and, Laura says, none want to leave.
“They love the opportunity to go horse riding and learn horse handling skills,” she said. “They also benefit from the chance to take part in dances and corroborees, which they all love.
“In the evenings, we sit in the cool and the young people talk about what has happened in their lives and what they would like to do in the future. I think this is when they learn most.”
She said parents are often surprised at their children’s abilities.
“One young man discovered that he loved cooking out here,” Laura said. “His mother could not believe it. She said he had never shown this talent before.”
Other than Laura and her partner, the Centre runs with just a few relieving staff. Drug and alcohol counsellors visit twice a week, as do Indigenous health workers. Funding for the Centre currently comes through Council but applications have been made for additional funding to provide weekend assistance. Plans are also underway to establish a school at the Centre.
For further information contact Trevor Horan, Director Community Services, telephone (07) 4935 0357.
