Mining giants BHP (ASX:BHP) and Fortescue (ASX:FMG) have jointly committed up to $22 million through the Western Australian Resources Community Investment Initiative.
The initiative, established by the Western Australian Government and Aboriginal Community Control Organisation (ACCO), supports at-risk youth and diverts them away from antisocial behaviour.
The state government says the initiative, which is for the Safe Spaces program, will give youth in the Pilbara region access to a safe space at night. The space will be established in Hedland and Newman, Western Australia.
Regional Development Minister Don Punch says each location will have a tailored program co-designed by ACOOs, elders, and community members to respond to vulnerable children and young people.
“By providing a safe location for young children and youth at night, it will be easier to divert them from antisocial behaviour and engage them with other wraparound services which aim to improve their future outcomes,” Punch says.
Community Services Minister Sabine Winton adds that the program will include follow-up family support and ongoing case management to address the needs of vulnerable youth.
BHP and Fortescue’s commitment allows the initiative to operate over five years, starting from mid this year.
Alongside their investments, the state government has allocated $7.3 million in the most recent State Budget to support the Safe Spaces program.
This will include establishing the Indigenous Healing Service in Newman, which is a child-focused trauma recovery service informed by traditional and local Aboriginal healing practices.
Further, the Pilbara Development Commission is also supporting the program’s establishment in partnership with the Department of Communities and locally-based ACCOs.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: The Western Australian Government
