State Government works with shire to address youth issues in Mullewa

24/10/03
The Gallop Government is committed to working with the Shire of Mullewa to introduce new initiatives to deal with youth issues in the area.
Community Development Minister Sheila McHale said a multi-faceted strategy introducing new youth activities, family counselling and improved policing was being implemented.
"The Gallop Government is providing services to strengthen families and provide safer communities," Ms McHale said.
The new initiatives include:

• development of a youth precinct within the centre of Mullewa which will include recreational activities such as skateboarding, basketball and netball. The Office of Crime Prevention recently granted $40,000 to the shire to develop the precinct;
• introduction of a mentoring program by the Mid-West Gascoyne Police District and the Geraldton Aboriginal Reference Group;
• invitation of Aboriginal leaders living in Mullewa to attend a leadership development course offered by the Geraldton Aboriginal Reference Group;
• recruiting another police officer to be stationed in Mullewa; and
• collection of contact details of youth found on the streets at night so the Department for Community Development can contact their family and provide assistance as required.

The Department for Community Development would also continue to co-ordinate the Mullewa Resource Centre which provides a wide range of activities for parents and children.
Ms McHale said senior officers from the Department for Community Development would begin working closely with the council to identify other ways the local community could work together to address the issue.
Minister's office: 9213 6900