Lake Cargelligo’s Down the Track program has been thrown another funding lifeline, allowing it to continue to help divert children from juvenile detention for at least another 12 months.

Teenagers taking part in the program have learnt valuable skills, including how to shear sheep and the skills needed for future work in the hospitality industry.

They have also been given the opportunity to gain recognition for their training, with certificates in agriculture just one of those offered.

The coordinator Lana Masterson said the program was designed for students who’ve become disengaged with traditional learning and that it had become critical for the community.

Key Points:

“We divert young people away from the juvenile justice system, we mentor and support our young people,” she said.

“It will allow us to continue into the future, deliver our service into the community and the young people of Lake Cargelligo,” Ms Masterson said.

The program has been running since 2016, and has relied on government funding since its inception.

“Definitely [it] is a relief to know that we can provide this service to our community, it is vital.”

Program hopeful to become less funding reliant

Ms Masterson said while the additional funding was a lifesaver, she’s working toward the program being able to stand on its own two feet.

She said part of her plan was to create a viable business through the program’s agriculture and hospitality training offerings.

“Twelve months is great and we will build into our social enterprise to help us become sustainable, so that we don’t have to apply for so much funding,” she said.

“But that all takes time and the COVID-19 pandemic has set us back a little bit.”

For the original article, click here.