L-R: Mark Ryan (Qld Minister for Police), Kim Richards (Redlands MP), Nathan Burnett (Macleay Island Police) and Cameron Harsley (Deputy Commissioner). Photo: Supplied
The Queensland Blue Light Association is set to launch an early intervention program targeting 20 young people aged 12 to 17 years in the Redlands. This initiative, named Blue EDGE, aims to enhance community safety and is one of four similar programs being delivered across Brisbane with funding from the Miles Labor Government’s Community-based Crime Action Grants.
The Blue EDGE program is designed to build relationships between youth and police, fostering improved attitudes toward authority, school, and peers. The program includes activities that encourage pro-social interactions and positive peer connections, with a focus on physical training, discipline, healthy choices, leadership, teamwork, and mentoring.
Queensland Blue Light Association is among several community organisations that have received Community-based Crime Action Grants to deliver such intervention programs across the state. In 2023-24, the Miles Government will provide a total of $5 million through these grants for short-term, time-limited projects that support local programs and services offering pro-social and early intervention initiatives.
These grants are intended to complement existing government programs by introducing new, innovative, localised solutions to achieve better outcomes for young people, their families, and the broader community.
Kim Richards, the Member for Redlands, emphasised the importance of these initiatives, stating, “First and foremost, keeping Queenslanders safe is the priority of the Miles Government. That’s why we are investing millions of dollars in evidence-based programs that are proven to reduce offending and reoffending rates among young people.”
“Our Community Safety Plan for Queensland includes new and expanded intervention programs aimed at protecting Queenslanders while tackling the root causes of crime, and this Budget delivers that. Keeping Queenslanders safe means young people will face consequences and be held accountable, with detention, intervention, and prevention.”
The Blue EDGE program is poised to make a significant impact on the Redlands community by providing at-risk youth with the tools and support they need to make positive changes in their lives.
