New Tennant Creek Youth Services Initiative

A new project in Tennant Creek will give young indigenous people a chance to improve self-esteem and provide them with alternative activities to crime.

The initiative is one of three projects to be run by Centacare NT with $13,295 in funding provided by the Australian Government.

In conjunction with National Youth Week celebrations, Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion, announced the projects during a visit to Tennant Creek.

Senator Scullion said the projects have been made possible by the Government's Youth Activities Services/Family Liaison Worker (YAS/FLW) program.

"The major project provides funds for cultural camps for young Aboriginal people who are repeat offenders.

"The camps will be held on weekends and holidays and are designed to give a greater sense of self-worth to participants and show them there are alternatives to crime.”

Senator Scullion paid tribute to the role played by Centacare NT in strengthening family relationships and encouraging community involvement.

"Centacare NT has a great history of providing support to young people and their families.

"The new initiatives have the potential to make a real difference to indigenous youth and the wider community.”

In addition to the cultural camps, there'll be funding for new equipment to enhance Centacare NT's service delivery to young people and their families in Tennant Creek.

The third project will allow the purchase of a drinking water fountain to be placed at the Tennant Creek basketball courts, a place used for youth activities.

Senator Scullion said the Australian Government is committed more than ever to delivering a range of support services which will contribute to the well being of young people and, in turn, the entire community.

2005-04-13