Skateboarding to a brighter future

Crime Stoppers Victoria, in partnership with the Victorian Skateboarding Association, is launching a new initiative to offer young people education and employment, while connecting them through skateboarding.

Over the next two years, Crime Stoppers Victoria will offer people aged between 12 and 24 the chance to connect with the community through skateboarding sessions, with each participant also offered the opportunity to meet with local youth employment services.

The ABS data for 2021 shows the 11 per cent of 15–24-year-olds are not in education, employment, or training.

“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 Stella Smith said.

“It is extremely important to re-engage and connect with young people in both regional and metro areas. 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.”

Funding by the Federal Government through the Safer Communities Fund, the initiative will focus on the 28 per cent of 12–24-year-old Victorians living in regional areas, in key areas including Ballarat.

Victorian Skateboarding Association Specialist Richard Flude said the sport had a way of connecting people, and thanked Crime Stoppers Victoria for partnering with the group.

“Skateboarding has always provided a wonderful community, where people from all walks of life can find a common purpose. In this spirit, the Victorian Skateboarding Association are very grateful that Crime Stoppers Victoria is partnering with us for this inclusive community initiative,” he said.

To register your interest in free skateboarding lessons in 2023, visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/free-skateboarding-lessons/.