Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls today announced an $85,000 funding boost for a Mildura soccer club that helps Koori youth participate in organised sport and reduces their risk of negative contact with the criminal justice system.
Mr Hulls said the Helenic Sporting Club Mildura United for the past five years had delivered a sports program that included soccer, basketball and touch football to young Kooris, bringing improved health and quality of life to participants.
“Not only does the program engage Koori youth in sports, it encourages local Elders and parents to be involved as mentors, coaches, umpires and committee members,” Mr Hulls said.
“The club has been effective in turning at-risk Koori youth away from offending because it gives them a sense of self and a sense of belonging – they become part of a successful team, they become accountable and responsible for improving their own sporting potential.”
Mr Hulls said the $85,000 top-up for the club, which delivers the Koori Youth Contact Minimisation Program, would be funded by the Department of Justice through the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA).
The program aims to develop physical skills, enhance self-esteem, improve team-building and leadership skills which leads to improved outcomes of participating Koori youth in education and employment while reducing the breakdown of families.
“Not only has the program led to positive justice results, it has turned participants into sporting achievers,” Mr Hulls said.
“Two of the Mildura Helenic Sporting Club's teen players were selected to train at the Manchester United Training Academy in England this month, which clearly demonstrates the overall quality, skill level and strength of the club.”
Mr Hulls said the success of the club in engaging and retaining Koori youth was a direct result of committed staff and a holistic focus on their development.
“Program staff are passionate and believe in what they do and this funding boost will allow them to continue providing their support and services," he said.
The Brumby Labor Government has invested over $390,000 in the club in the past five years, which has contributed towards supplying sporting uniforms, equipment, registrations and a bus to safely and reliably transport players to training and competitions.
“Without support for basic items such as transport, many young Kooris could not engage in this regular organised sport,” Mr Hulls said.
“Through early intervention, the Brumby Labor Government in partnership with the Koori community is helping young Kooris play a positive role in their communities,” Mr Hulls said.