A future Coalition Government will provide $300,000 from a revitalised Safer Communities Fund (SCF) to Coffs Harbour’s successful community-driven youth sporting program, RISE. The well-loved program is run almost entirely from donations and by volunteers, with training sessions operating five days a week and catering for forty kids each day.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said this commitment would allow the program to continue in full for the next two years and allow organisers the opportunity to focus on its young participants and program growth, without worrying about funding.

“With the issues we are seeing among our youth right across the country, it’s so important to recognise and safeguard our community driven organisations that are actively building a sense of support and belonging, and RISE Coffs Harbour is a great example,” Mr Conaghan said.

“RISE provides a structured curriculum that trains youth in technical football and team building skills and teaches positive values including trust, respect, discipline and patience. The kids are picked up in buses, taken to training and provided with breakfast, all before school. The program has increased school attendance significantly, especially with the refugee community, as well as preparing the kids to have a positive mind set and be ready to learn and engage.

“I know that we are not the only electorate that is experiencing issues with disengaged youth in our communities, and the work of amazing organisations like RISE has never been more important. I’m extremely proud to be able to make this announcement today and help to shine a spotlight on the impressive work that they do.”

RISE Coffs Harbour Technical & Business Director (Football) Phil McMullen thanked Mr. Conaghan for his continued support and explained why programs like this are important, particularly for regional communities.

“I’d like to thank Pat for his continued passion for our program. He has taken the time to really understand what we do and why it works, and this funding will mean that we can focus our attention on the kids and their needs, not the donations,” Mr McMullen said.

“While we use Football as our unifier, we are more than just a sports program. RISE is a youth social cohesion and wellbeing program that creates a sense of community and belonging, ultimately contributing to our participants’ confidence and self-esteem. Confident and connected kids are more likely to thrive and contribute positively to our communities. We started in 2020 with just six children and now have over two hundred. I look forward to seeing that number grow!”

Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Senator James Paterson, said under a Coalition Government, the Cowper electorate will be stronger, more secure, and better supported to tackle crime at all stages of the cycle.

“Getting Australia Back on Track means keeping Australia safe including by supporting programs within the community that aim to empower young people,” Senator Paterson said.

“The revitalised SCF will build on the programme established by the previous Coalition Government, delivering grant funding to councils, schools, and local organisations to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, enhance security around community spaces, and promote social cohesion.”

This commitment is part of the Coalition’s plan to strengthen our local communities and get our country Back on Track.