In the north-west coastal town of Onslow, in Western Australia, we’re helping to promote healthy lifestyles by supporting a youth outreach program.
Launched in 2007, the program is helping address youth boredom which was resulting in antisocial behaviour and incidents of juvenile crime.
In its first year, juvenile crime within the town decreased by a dramatic 85 percent.
The program provides a range of school holiday and after school programs, including beach volleyball, movie nights, Auskick (junior football), basketball games, boating lessons, fishing workshops, kayaking and discos.
It also encourages increased physical activity and healthy food choices by children with the aim of preventing future health problems such as diabetes.
Both the local police and the school have reported a positive change in the behaviours and manners of the children involved in the program.
The program is a partnership between Chevron, the Shire of Ashburton, the Department of Child Protection and BHP Billiton.