Photo: Cr Adam Cohen [2nd from left] and Cr Dan Keady [4th from left] were among a delegation from four western councils to successfully negotiate a new approach to youth services last week with NSW Premier Chris Minns [centre].
Coonamble mayor Dan Keady said the gears are moving fast to set out a summer youth program in the shire after NSW Premier Chris Minns committed to funding a new approach to youth crime.
Barwon MP Roy Butler announced on 14 November that Mr Minns has agreed to commit “hundreds of thousands” of dollars to support after-school and holiday programs to keep young people occupied in Coonamble, Brewarrina, Bourke and Walgett Shire.
As well as the immediate vacation activities, short and longer term initiatives were also part of the deal.
The strategies were agreed at a meeting between the Premier and leaders from the four councils in Sydney on Thursday 13 November.
“Basically, all the shires are going back to their communities, looking for gaps in the school holiday program and in after-school care,” Cr Keady said.
“We’re talking about $80,000 for Coonamble Shire up to 28 April 2026.”
Mr Keady said Council will meet with service providers this week to flesh out the programs and come back to the Premier “ASAP.”
In the medium term, the Premier agreed that his department will lead a review of government-funded youth services to find service gaps, identify duplication and root out “ghost services” in the shires.
The Premier also made a longer-term commitment to explore the establishment of a residential diversion program at Brewarrina for young people charged with low-level crimes.
The commitments follow a delegation from the same councils to the Premier on 28 October, organised by Mr Butler.
Mr Butler has congratulated Bourke Mayor Lachlan Ford, Coonamble Mayor Daniel Keady, Brewarrina Mayor Tom Stanton and Walgett Mayor Jason Ramien for their proactive approach which has convinced the Premier to establish this trial to review services and support youth programs.
Walgett mayor Jasen Ramien said the meeting gave him confidence on progress to addressing local crime.
“He listened carefully, asked meaningful questions, and demonstrated a real commitment to developing solutions that reflect the realities of life in our region.”
Mr Butler said crime rates won’t fall without intervention for disadvantaged young people before they start down a criminal pathway.
“A successful intervention is a win for the young person and a win for their community,” said Mr Butler.