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Murlpirrmarra Connection promised nearly $1.5m to support Indigenous youth

Headshot of Kimberley Caines
Kimberley CainesThe West Australian
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews will wrap up her whirlwind trip of the State on Thursday with a funding commitment for Murlpirrmarra Connection in Welshpool to put towards new research in helping to reduce crime.
Camera IconHome Affairs Minister Karen Andrews will wrap up her whirlwind trip of the State on Thursday with a funding commitment for Murlpirrmarra Connection in Welshpool to put towards new research in helping to reduce crime. Credit: Joel Carrett NewsWire/News Corp Australia

A not-for-profit organisation providing Indigenous youth in remote communities across WA with educational opportunities has been promised nearly $1.5 million in extra funding by the Federal Government.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews will wrap up her whirlwind trip of the State on Thursday with a funding commitment for Murlpirrmarra Connection in Welshpool to put towards new research in helping to reduce crime.

The organisation tackles anti-social and negative behaviour by offering culturally-appropriate training and educational programs, as well as sporting events, camps, and tournaments to support the education and employment of Indigenous youth.

Almost 3000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth across 72 sites in regional parts of WA will benefit from the grant — that will also fund an Indigenous tennis and education program for Year 7 to Year 12 students.

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Ms Andrews said ending anti-social behaviour and reducing rates of youth incarceration were key priorities for the Morrison Government.

“These products and research will directly benefit Indigenous youth, and assist in closing the gap,” Ms Andrews said.

“They will reduce offending, provide at-risk youth with a safe space and a physical outlet as an alternative to being on the streets unsupervised.

“The project will promote resilience, inclusion and teamwork, build strong relationships and provide youth with education, training, and employment opportunities that empower them to become independent and self-sufficient in the long term.”

The government’s Indigenous Justice Research Program — which was announced in October last year — is also set to receive more than $1 million for research into the factors that contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander over-representation in the criminal justice system.

“(This) is a multifaceted issue, and we must do everything we can to address the drivers, in a culturally informed and coordinated way,” Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt said.

“The projects selected for the Indigenous Justice Research Program will delve into mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, family violence, the provision of Indigenous language interpreting in courts and connection to culture.”

Curtin University of Technology and the University of Western Australia will each receive funding for Indigenous research projects under the program.

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