AN elected Dutton-Littleproud Coalition Government will provide $937,000 from a revitalised Safer Communities Fund to Boys to the Bush to expand their program to support the communities of Cobar, Nyngan, Condobolin, Narromine, Bourke, Coonamble and Gunnedah.

The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said this funding would help disadvantaged youth to break the cycle by providing mentorship, education and training, and community involvement.

Stopping youth crime isn’t a one approach solution, that’s why investing in programs like Boys to the Bush are so important to stop the crime before it happens.

“I’ve heard firsthand from my own community of Gunnedah but also residents across the electorate of Parkes, safety is a high priority, and we’re responding with practical measures to help. This funding is a direct response to the concerns raised by our community,” Mr Chaffey said.

Boys to the Bush are also contributing $826,700 towards expanding their outreach program to Cobar, Nyngan, Condobolin, Narromine, Bourke, Coonamble and Gunnedah.

Boys to the Bush, CEO and co-founder Adam DeMamiel said he was thrilled Jamie Chaffey and The National Party have committed to funding Boys to the Bush should the Coalition be elected federally.

“This commitment will allow us to expand our reach to more regional and rural communities throughout the Parkes electorate. These funds will ensure some of the most vulnerable youth gain access to our early intervention programs,” Mr DeMamiel said.

“This commitment will not only support the youth and communities in the short term but will allow us to establish a permanent and long-term presence, in at least two more rural communities in need. Jamie has been a strong advocate for our organisation in the past and it fills me with optimism knowing he sees the impact our work is having across regional communities and is willing to work towards increasing such impacts.”

Cassandra Tyack and Brad Prince from Boys to the Bush, with Jamie Chaffey.

Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Senator James Paterson, said under a Dutton Coalition Government, the communities of Cobar, Nyngan, Condobolin, Narromine, Bourke, Coonamble and Gunnedah will be stronger, more secure, and better supported to tackle crime.

“Getting Australia Back on Track means keeping Australia safe – safe for families, safe for businesses, and safe for communities,” Mr Paterson said.

“Projects delivered under the Safer Communities Fund will support local communities to deliver practical support to at-risk youth and reduce anti-social behaviour on our streets.”

The revitalised SCF will build on the program established by the previous Coalition Government, delivering grant funding to councils, schools, and local organisations to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, enhance security around community spaces, and promote social cohesion.