NEWS
Program is at risk By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Initial appointment free - BOOK NOW 42 McCrae Street, Dandenong Vic 3175
Ph 9792 3005 Fax 9792 5080 www.ressanlawyers.com.au 12362753-EPJ35-17
Operation Newstart youth worker Ash Scott, leading teacher James Seeary, YSAS youth worker Picture: ROB CAREW Lydia Northeast, Cr Amanda Stapledon and trainee Emily Mezaros. 174152 for an expanded service, not a diminished one. “If I had more staff, I’d love to take the service to more kids and schools. “There are some other support agencies in this field, but they’re hard to get kids into.” Casey's Councillor Amanda Stapledon raised the program’s plight at a recent Casey Council meeting. The council resolved to write to the State Government to continue its funding, and support the program’s grant application. She said a video of Operation Newstart par-
ents testifying to the positive change in their children was “the most powerful thing”. A State Government spokesman said the Department of Education and Training was working with the government to secure 2018 funding at the behest of Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan. It offered support programs for disengaged young people such as Navigator and Lookout, as well as an early-intervention School Focused Youth Service, he said. “The Andrews Labor Government is committed to helping students stay in school.”
1176285-PB11-15
A program that helps put 32 disengaged Casey youth back on the rails each year is facing an uncertain future. For 10 years, Operation Newstart Casey has been run in Narre Warren, relying on a mix of State Government funding as well as donations from schools and community groups. Its personal development program helps groups of up to eight at-risk teens who have been referred by Casey schools. Its leading teacher James Seeary - who runs a tight staff of four - said funding had been tighter in recent years, with Victoria Police and several schools withdrawing support. Its $30,000 shortfall in 2017 was covered by the Department of Education and Training. But there’s no guarantee that the arrangement will continue next year, Mr Seeary said. Operation Newstart Casey has instead been invited to apply for Engage! state grant funding for up to three years. The program has a high success rate - 90 per cent go on to a job or further study. It costs the community a lot more if they “drop out”, Mr Seeary says. It is built on listening to and supporting the students and their families. It introduces the students to different life activities, hoping to ignite passions and interests. And it builds their resilience. The program is supported by youth and social workers from YSAS and DHHS. “The most important thing we do is build the self-esteem for kids not engaging with school - say who are attending only 40 or 50 per cent at school,” Mr Seeary said. Past students have blossomed to university degrees. “We help them get up to 100 per cent and get on with their mainstream education.” Mr Seeary says there was enough demand
BERWICK 9769 3380
7 YEARS WARRANTY* SATELLITE NAVIGATION
REAR CAMERA AND SENSORS
BLIND SPOT ALERT & HEAD-UP DISPLAY 18 ALLOY WHEELS 12367663-RC42-17
LIFETIME CAPPED PRICED SERVICING
COMMODORE SV6
INCLUDES $1,000^
DEMO EVENT FROM
$39,990
DRIVE * AWAY
GENUINE HOLDEN ACCESSORIES
Barry Bourke Holden 755 Princes Highway, Berwick VIC 3806. Phone: (03) 9707 2222 barrybourkeholden.com.au
*Offer valid for demo vehicles delivered and ordered by 31 October 2017. Demo vehicles will receive balance of 7 year/175,000km new vehicle warranty (whichever occurs irst). Includes Lifetime Capped Pricing and not available with any other offers. Private or ABN buyers only. ^$1,000 genuine accessory offer based on retail value and includes itment, some items may need to be ordered. LMCT7522
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Barry Bourke Holden
Thursday, 26 October, 2017
|
STAR NEWS 5