AN important after-hours transport service is back on the bitumen in Moree, with the news Miyay Birray’s StreetBeat program has been granted fresh funding from the NSW Premier’s Office.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to address crime, support young people and improve community safety in Moree.

StreetBeat returned to the streets Thursday night this week, and will operate staggered hours, seven days.

The program primarily offers transport to young people at night, with youth workers trained to encourage positive community behaviour and relationships, while executing effective risk management and crisis intervention strategies.

StreetBeat, which also provides advocacy support and referral services, was garaged earlier this year when funding ceased.

Miyay Birray CEO Darrel Smith said fresh funding meant the program was now back in service, with increased operating hours and more staff.

“After funding ran out in May this year, the StreetBeat program finished up,” Mr Smith said.

“Now, with further funding through the NSW government for after-hours activities in Moree, StreetBeat is ready to roll again.”

Lena Smith, Glen Crump (in vehicle), Darrel Smith and Jessica Jarrett rebooted the Miyay Birray StreetBeat program on Thursday this week. The program will now operate seven days a week.

Miyay Birray recently held a recruitment process to increase StreetBeat staff numbers as well as train new staff in child-safe practices.

“All staff have had working with children and police checks completed,” Mr Smith said.

Previously, StreetBeat was limited to three shifts per week, but fresh funding means the service will operate seven nights.

The new operating hours are 8pm to midnight, Monday to Wednesday, and 8pm to 2am Thursday to Sunday.

“The service will have two workers on the bus and will offer transport for young people to organised activities at PCYC and Moree Shae Academy,” Mr Smith said.

“The service is also there to take young people home, or who just need a lift.”

The StreetBeat bus can be contacted by phone (0407 429452), Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Snapchat.

“At the start of each shift, Miyay Birray staff will post messages on all social media platforms,” Mr Smith said.

“This is to let young people know who is working, and that they can contact us for transport.

“It is great to have StreetBeat back up and running for the community, especially the young people of Moree,” he said,

Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, applauded the move.

“I’m supportive of any, and all, measures that help address youth offending and crime generally in Moree,” Mr Moylan said.

“Miyay Birray is a well-respected and locally run organisation that knows Moree, and Moree Kids.

“I wish them all the best as they re-start the StreetBeat program.”

Words and Image: Bill Poulos