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Writer's pictureThe Hon. Paul Toole MP

BOYS TO THE BUSH TARGETING DISENGAGED YOUNG MEN IN NEW PROGRAM


A grant of $34,000 will fund the Bathurst Wellbeing Support Program project run by Boys to the Bush. The program will engage with 50 children who have lost motivation for learning due to combined COVID and flood disruptions. Weekly day-long, out-of-school sessions will be held involving visits to local businesses, farms and community amenities such as Men’s Shed and CWA.


Participating students range from Years 5-6 in primary and Years 7-10 in secondary schools and typically meet the following criteria: Poor school attendance, poor behaviour, lack of engagement and social skills, acute or chronic complex psychosocial issues outside of school environment.


Member for Bathurst Paul Toole MP said the projects will help support recovery and boost resilience for young people in the region following the impacts of natural disasters and COVID-19.


“I’m thrilled to announce support for this project that will help young people in our community bounce back stronger than ever in the wake of COVID-19 disruptions and natural disasters,” Mr Toole said.


“Projects like Boys to the Bush program is a great example of how we can help young people recover, build resilience and improve wellbeing by providing them with the tools and resources they need to become the best version of themselves.”


Boys to the Bush Program Coordinator Aaron Mawhinney said the funding will help them to change the lives of young men in the region.


“We’re so grateful for this funding. Boys to the Bush looks forward to working with schools to connect disengaged kids to their community, local workplaces and services over the fun, five-week Schools Program,” said Mr Mawhinney.


“Participants make friends and gain confidence and hopefully transfer that energy and motivation into accomplishing school and other life goals at the end of the program.”


Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the $10.3 million Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative offers large grants between $10,000 and $50,000 and small grants for up to $10,000.


“The large grants fund projects such as community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs, while small grants are to enable initiatives like sporting programs and barbecues,” Mr Franklin said.


“Our Regional Youth Community Coordinators will help connect young people with the projects that best support their wellbeing and recovery and foster resilience and connection.”


The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

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