Night-time safe spaces, youth programs and community-led initiatives across the New England and north-west are set to benefit from almost $5 million in state funding aimed at reducing youth crime and improving local safety.
The State Government’s Community Safety Investment Fund forms part of a broader $124 million commitment to early intervention and diversion programs designed to keep young people out of the justice system.
A strong focus has been placed on regional communities, including Armidale, Tamworth and Moree, where local organisations will deliver tailored programs addressing the drivers of youth offending.
Key New England and north-west recipients include:
- $298,600 for the BackTrack Night Crew in Armidale to sustain its after-hours youth safety program and provide supervised safe spaces
- $292,875 for the Gamilaroi Youth Strengthening and Safety Program across the Liverpool Plains, centred on Tamworth
- Funding supporting culturally informed initiatives and community-led engagement across the region
Grants are split across two streams, with smaller projects (up to $40,000) supporting short-term initiatives such as outdoor activities, mentoring and skills development, while larger grants (up to $300,000) fund longer-term programs over two years.
Youth Justice Minister Jihad Dib announced the funding in Tamworth, following a visit to the newly opened Maruma-Li Walaay youth bail accommodation in Moree.
The $8.7 million facility provides culturally safe, supervised housing for young people on bail who cannot return home, with a particular focus on supporting Aboriginal youth. Operated by local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, the centre accommodates up to four young people at a time.
Dib said the approach combines early intervention with practical alternatives to custody.
“Communities across regional NSW, including the New England, have been under pressure from youth crime. These grants back local organisations that understand what works on the ground,” he said.
“When young people get the right support early, it can change their trajectory. Programs like BackTrack in Armidale show how effective community-led solutions can be.”
He said facilities like Maruma-Li Walaay give courts and police viable alternatives to detention.
“Time in custody can have long-term negative impacts. Providing safe, supervised accommodation in places like Moree helps reduce reoffending while keeping the community safe.”
Department of Communities and Justice Secretary Michael Tidball said locally driven programs were central to the strategy.
“By working with community organisations — particularly Aboriginal-controlled groups — we can intervene earlier and deliver support in a way that resonates locally,” he said.
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