Crime Stoppers Victoria rolls out skateboarding initiative

CRIME Stoppers Victoria and the Victorian Skateboarding Association have landed a new initiative aimed at connecting and providing education and employment opportunities to young people in Geelong and across the state.

According to 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics data, 11 per cent of 15-24-year-olds are not in education, employment, or training.

Young people are particularly vulnerable in making the transition from school to further education or employment, and a lack of understanding of education and career pathways can make this transition more difficult.

Over the new next two years, Crime Stoppers Victoria will offer young people aged between 12-24 the chance to connect with the community through skateboarding sessions.

More than 1 million people aged between 12-24 reside in Victoria and 28 per cent of those live regionally, so the program will focus on key areas including Geelong, Hume, Wyndham, Shepparton and Ballarat.

As well as learning a new skill, every program participant will be offered the chance to meet with local youth employment services to discuss their future work opportunities.

“Not participating in compulsory education or employment can put young people at risk. We want to break the cycle so that young Victorians don’t slip through the cracks,” Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive officer Stella Smith said.

The new initiative is supported by the federal government through the Safer Communities Fund.

“Skateboarding has always provided a wonderful community, where people from all walks of life can find a common purpose,” the Victorian Skateboarding Association’s Richard Flude said.

“In this spirit, the Victorian Skateboarding Association are very grateful that Crime Stoppers Victoria is partnering with us for this inclusive community initiative.”

Ms Smith said it was extremely important to re-engage and connect with young people in both regional and metro areas after two COVID-19 affected years.

“We want to do this in a positive way, to teach them new skills and provide employment pathways.

“We are also using this opportunity to let often vulnerable, young people know how they can share crime information anonymously with Crime Stoppers.”