By Rowan Forster
Specialist youth workers would be stationed at both Pakenham and Berwick Secondary College as part of a $1.5 million statewide cash injection for the Les Twentyman Foundation, spearheaded by LaTrobe MP Jason Wood.
It comes as part of a renewed push to quell the region’s escalating gang violence using early intervention measures.
Under the initiative, both schools would have qualified outreach workers supporting at-risk youth and steering them towards employment, sobriety and further education.
Mr Wood has challenged the State Government to double down on the commitment with an additional $1.5 million of its own, strengthening resources available in Melbourne’s south-east.
The current $1.5 million allocation would fund up to six youth workers over three years.
“The State Government needs to match our funding to help us reduce youth crime and provide support and early intervention for those in the secondary school system,” he said.
“The Les Twentyman Foundation helps kids who have seen and suffered trauma, provides them with guidance and mentorship and steers them towards a productive life.
“I have met with the principal of Berwick Secondary College – who is very excited about this initiative – and plan to meet with the principal of Pakenham Secondary soon.”
According to an analysis of Crime Statistics Agency data, offenders aged between 10 and 19 were responsible for 17 per cent of Casey’s crimes committed.
Recent incidents in Pakenhan, including a string of attacks near Cardinia Road in May, prompted Mr Wood to pursue federal funding.
“By ignoring the issue, there’s never going to be a solution,” he said.
“We have to acknowledge that gang-related violence is an issue in Melbourne’s south-east – particularly in Dandenong and Pakenham – so we can allocate the resources to combat it.”
Les Twentyman said youth unemployment and drug addiction usually led teenagers to spiral into a life of crime.
He believes locking teens up in juvenile detention is not the answer.
“I was down in Cardinia a few years ago and the mayor was saying there was a high exit rate of students in that municipality,” he said.
“When kids don’t have an education it really puts them behind the eight-ball.
“We’ve been keen to expand this program of youth workers in schools down to Pakenham.
“It’s a win for the kid, the kid’s family, the school and ultimately for the community – because they have a focus and they aren’t getting into trouble.”
The program has proven successful across Victoria, aiming to eradicate poverty, abuse, violence, discrimination and isolation.
For Jordan Maharu, who was guided by a Les Twentymen Foundation mentor – it was a life-changing experience.”(They) gave me a goal, they gave me clarity and they helped me focus,” he said.
“I owe everything to Les and the program.”
