Ballarat youth advocate going behind bars

THE project mentoring coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia’s Ballarat program, Jodie Downey, is soon to be locked up.

Bail Out is a fundraising effort to help provide mentors for young people in youth detention.

“I’m taking on a unique experience to help fundraise for Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Ms Downey said.

“It costs around $1500 a day to keep a young person in Australian youth detention.

“In stark contrast, it only costs $3600 a year to provide a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“To support this cause, I’m spending time behind bars, and I need public support to raise my bail.

“I’m committed to raising at least $1000 bail for my release.”

Ms Downey will experience real life jail conditions during her time behind bars.

“Upon arrival, I will be stripped of my possessions, given a prison uniform, fingerprinted, photographed, and fed prison gruel in my cell,” she said.

“Bail Out is run with those who’ve lived through the justice system and turned their lives around.

“This unique experience works to highlight the striking difference between the high costs of detention and the relatively low costs of preventive mentoring.”

Ms Downey will be locked up in the Old Adelaide Gaol at 4pm on Friday 15 August.

“I hope locals will help me make a real difference in the lives of young people by donating to my bail fund here,” she said.

“Together we can break the cycle for young people and provide them with hope for their future.

“All money I raise will go to the young people in Ballarat to help find them a mentor.

“We are also working to bring another Bail Out fundraising event to Ballarat in early 2026.”

Visit bigbrothersbigsisters.supporterhub.net.au/fundraising/adelaide-bail-out-2025/jodie-downey to donate. Donations of $2 and above are tax deductible.