Working together for youth

THE Magpie Centre Indigenous Corporation is holding monthly meetings to address youth crime in Goonellabah.

The corporation’s chief executive, Bradley Walker, has organised the meetings, with the first held at the Goonellabah Workers Sports Club on Thursday night.

The aim was to address ongoing break-ins, car thefts and other youth crimes in the region.

Mr Walker put the call out to a number of community groups and organisations to address the issues with ongoing support.

“It has to be driven by the community,” he said.

“It shouldn’t get to the point where something very bad happens which forces a reaction.

“I also think it must go beyond just grants, we need to make sure the key people are delivering on their promises.

“It comes down to accountability and we want people to bring something to the table at the meetings.”

The Magpie Centre aims to achieve the best outcomes for all youth.

Previously based in Goonellabah, the centre hopes to establish a permanent home in the area.

“It’s in the name with the magpie; black or white we need to make sure none of our kids are left behind,” Mr Walker said.

“I consider myself a leader in the community and I really want to work in a mentor role for our youth.

“We can’t just have one meeting and forget about it which can often happen.”

Mr Walker suggested job creation where the local young people can be in charge of looking after their local parks.

He wants to oversee it, while helping young people find jobs with some of the larger employers in town like Coles and Woolworths.

“I would happily be involved to see these things delivered,” Mr Walker said.

“It would be great to work alongside our local TAFE where they have access to skills and equipment that could help them in the workforce.”