Carnarvon Target120 program extended to 2025 with help of $11.7 million injection to help at-risk youths

The upcoming State Budget will include an extra $11.7 million for the Target120 program that will extend it another year, until mid-2025. Carnarvon was announced as the 17th location to deliver the program in May last year, but had significant trouble getting off the ground as they could not find a service provider. It was revealed Ngala would lead the program in March, and has since been able to help 10 local children and families. The program seeks to provide early intervention programs, steering at-risk young people away from the criminal justice system and helping to create safer communities. Ngala operations manager Nancy Kirby said the program had been effective across the State. “There has been a 50 per cent decrease in criminal behaviour across the board,” she said. The program focuses on building relationships with young people and their families to decrease the risk of children becoming repeat offenders by connecting them with tailored services and support. The additional funding in the 2023-24 State Budget takes the total investment in the program to $43.3 million. The program’s end date was originally June 2024 and now the additional funding will be enough to see it through until June 30, 2025. “This extension across each of our Target120 sites is recognition of the genuine difference the program is making in our communities,” Community Services Minister Sabine Winton said. “It’s important we continue to support the great work of the local service providers and organisations who are helping young people turn their lives around.” The Carnarvon program joins Armadale, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Kununurra, Mirrabooka, and Rockingham.