Crime Stoppers Victoria (CSV), in partnership with the Victorian Skateboarding Association (VSA), will offer young people aged 12 to 24 a chance to connect with the community through skateboarding sessions.
In a statement, CSV said the initiative seeks to connect and provide education and employment opportunities to young people across the state, including those in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges. As well as learning a new skill, CSV said program participants will have the chance to meet with local youth employment services to discuss future work opportunities.
CSV said young people are “particularly vulnerable” when making the transition from school to further education or employment, with a lack of understanding of pathways potentially making the transition more difficult.
CSV chief executive Stella Smith said 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,” she said.
The federally-funded initiative through the Safer Communities Fund will focus on key areas including Hume, Wyndham, Shepparton, Melbourne and Ballarat.
VSA specialist Richard Flude said skateboarding has provided a wonderful where people come together to 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.
Ms Smith said it was “extremely important” to re-engage and connect with young people in both metro and regional areas.
“We want to do this in a positive way, to teach them new skills and provide employment pathways,” Ms Smith said.
“We are also using this opportunity to let often vulnerable, young people know how they can share crime information anonymously with Crime Stoppers.”
