Project Walwaay today received a silver award in the police-led category of the 2021 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA).
The ACVPA recognise best practice in the prevention or reduction of violence and other types of crime in Australia and play a vital role in highlighting effective community-based initiatives to prevent crime and violence.
The Aboriginal Youth Team (AYT) was established by the Orana Mid Western Police District in 2019 to address the over-representation of Dubbo’s Aboriginal youth in the criminal justice system. Project Walwaay was initiated by a team consisting of 3 police officers and an Aboriginal community liaison officer. It provides opportunities for at-risk young people to succeed through diversionary programs, education and employment.
Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, from the New South Wales Police Force, said that Walwaay was given the blessing of the local Aboriginal Elders group, who also bestowed the name ‘Walwaay’, which is Wiradjuri for ‘young man’.
“The AYT is the conduit between young people and other specialist agencies, coordinating fortnightly meetings with health, education, the Department of Communities and Justice and non-government organisations, sharing information about the youth and planning the actions required to assist them going forward.
“This joined-up approach has resulted in a decrease in school suspensions, better access to essential health and dental services and importantly a 60 per cent reduction in Aboriginal Youth entering the criminal justice system, “ said Mr McKenna.
“The winning of this award is due recognition of what can be achieved when police and the community work together, finding common ground and caring about their youth. I am really proud of the team and the great work they continue to do,” he said.
These annual awards recognise the outstanding contributions being made across Australia for crime prevention, including the development and implementation of practical projects to reduce violence and other types of crime in the community.
Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) Director, Michael Phelan APM, said that Project Walwaay is a great initiative and effective program to assist and support young people, with the goal of crime reduction and social inclusion.
“The program has been successful in reducing offending and improving participation in school, training and other activities and keeping participants out of the justice system. It illustrates excellent community collaboration and cultural support,” said Mr Phelan.
All projects are assessed each year by the ACVPA Board, which is chaired by the AIC Director and consists of senior law enforcement representatives from each state and territory police service.
The awards are a joint Australian Government, state and territory initiative administered by the AIC.
For more information about the award winners, visit www.aic.gov.au/acvpa
To watch the ceremony please visit our YouTube channel, CriminologyTV.
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