Temporary caseworkers will also be added in Moree to supervise young people on bail
The NSW government is increasing its investment in the town of Moree, committing an additional $2m to tackle youth crime, enhance community safety, and support early childhood development.
The funding, which will be distributed over four years starting in July, builds on the NSW government’s initial $13.4m targeted response for the region.
This latest investment aims to strengthen youth engagement programs and improve family safety. It comes as the government progresses on two key initiatives: the development of a youth bail accommodation centre and the expansion of after-hours patrols.
The upcoming bail accommodation centre will provide police and courts with additional supervision options for young people released on bail. Authorities anticipate that the facility will reduce the likelihood of reoffending while legal proceedings are ongoing. The centre will be operated by a consortium of three local Aboriginal organisations: Miyay Birray Youth Service, Pius X Aboriginal Medical Service, and SHAE Academy. The government expects the facility to open later this year.
Youth Justice NSW is also increasing its presence in Moree by creating additional temporary caseworker positions to oversee young people on bail. Additionally, the department has appointed a provider for the Safe Aboriginal Youth (SAY) program, which will begin in April 2025 and run for four years. SHAE Academy will deliver the program, offering transport and outreach services to Aboriginal youth aged 12 to 17 who are on the streets late at night.
Miyay Birray has been awarded a five-year contract to run the Casework Support Program (CSP) in Moree. The CSP assists young people in achieving practical goals such as enrolling in education, obtaining identification documents, seeking employment, and applying for government support.
The NSW government has intensified its efforts in Moree over the past year. NSW police have conducted more than 30 surge operations, and Operation Mongoose has identified 255 offenders, including 75 considered ringleaders. A temporary acting magistrate has been appointed to the New England Circuit to help manage legal proceedings.
In addition to policing efforts, the government has allocated $1m to fund after-hours activities run by SHAE Academy, Miyay Birray, and the PCYC. Reports indicate that up to 90 young people attend these activities each night, with early estimates suggesting that at least 30% of participants have had contact with the criminal justice system.
The small grants program has also provided more than $175,000 to 18 community-led projects. Due to strong community interest, over half of the funding has already been allocated.
Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the role of the Moree community in addressing youth crime, stating that the government’s measures will provide police and courts with better tools to manage youth offenders.
Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib emphasised that these initiatives aim to meet community expectations while helping young people stay safe and out of the justice system.
