The Liberals and Nationals in Government will provide $600,000 from a revitalised Safer Communities Fund (SCF) to Macksville’s successful community-driven youth program, ShoreTrack.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said this funding would help safeguard this exemplary organisation and allow them to continue to deliver for the Mid North Coast community for years to come.

“Tackling the issue of disenfranchised youth in our community requires a multi-faceted approach, and part of that approach is ensuring that successful programs like ShoreTrack are adequately supported to expand and thrive not just for today but into the future,” Mr Conaghan said.

“Over the past six years in my role as the Federal Member, I have been lucky enough to witness this amazing venture go from strength to strength, under the guidance of Co-Founders Jillian Ashley and Paul Ireland. The training courses they provide not only equip our young people with important skills for future employment, they provide a support system that enhances self-worth and confidence in student-aged kids that have fallen through the cracks of our traditional education systems.

“And their success rate says it all! 93% of students who complete ShoreTrack’s training end up gainfully employed, which is incredible to see. I can’t name a traditional degree or TAFE Course with those kinds of numbers. It’s imperative that we as Government see community driven initiatives like this one with a proven success rate given the opportunity to grow and help future generations.”

ShoreTrack Co-Founder Jillian Ashely thanked Mr. Conaghan for his continued support and noted the need for programs like ShoreTrack in regional communities like the Mid North Coast.

“I’d like to thank Pat for continuing to fight for funding for projects like ours, that provide a safe place for young people to develop their skills, to build their self-confidence and to build a self-efficacy. Our aim is to ensure that our young people start believing in themselves, often after a background of trauma. Without positive intervention, those young people would stay disconnected and vulnerable to isolation and negative behaviours,” Ms Ashley said.

Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Senator James Paterson said under a Liberal and Nationals Government, the Cowper electorate will be stronger, more secure, and better supported to tackle crime.

“Getting Australia Back on Track means keeping Australia safe –by supporting programs within the community that aim to empower young people that may otherwise be vulnerable to negative influences,” Senator Paterson said.

“Projects delivered under the Safer Communities Fund will also help protect local communities by ensuring they have appropriate security infrastructure in place such as CCTV cameras, alarm systems and security lighting. The Fund is aimed at tackling the issues facing our communities at all stages of the cycle.”

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.