Nearly $1 million to Tackle Youth Crime    

17th June 2026

Nearly $1 million will flow into the Barwon electorate to help improve community safety and divert young people at risk of entering the justice system, through a range of locally-led initiatives.  

Four projects in Wilcannia, Walgett and Brewarrina will receive funding through the Minns Labor Government’s Community Safety Investment Fund: 

·                Walgett Cultural and Community Aboriginal Corporation – Strong Culture Youth Pathways Program – $290,000. The program supports young people through hands-on cultural learning, mentoring, youth group activities, and guided campouts that strengthen their identity, resilience, sense of belonging, and connection to the community. 

·                Winmarra Foundation – Winmarra Emerging Leaders Program – $300,000. The Brewarrina-based program combines consistent mentoring, on-Country cultural learning, leadership development and family engagement to strengthen identity, confidence and positive life pathways. 

·                Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation – Wilcannia Outdoor Movie Theatre – Police Courtyard – Building Stronger Futures Together – $14,272. 

·                Dharriwaa Elders Group – Yanaarr-dhuul-gal ngaarr (Strong Young Women) Walgett Youth Wellbeing Service – $299,726.  Supporting Aboriginal girls/young women (10-17 years) and families in Walgett through weekday/out-of-hours mentoring and activities. 

Mr Butler said prevention and early intervention must be central to reducing youth crime long-term. 

“In communities across Barwon, access to services and opportunities can be limited, which is why these kinds of programs are so important,” said Mr Butler. 

“If we’re serious about reducing youth crime, we need to invest in early intervention and give young people positive pathways that steer them in the right direction. 

“This funding is about backing our community to lead the solutions. The people on the ground know what works, and these grants give them the support to get on with the job—keeping young people engaged and our community safe,” said Mr Butler. 

Full details of the grants are available here:  

https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-safety-investment-grant-program-stream-2