Parkes High School is set to receive more than $150,000 in funding to keep kids in school and on the right side of the law, Troy Grant announced on Monday.
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The NSW Police Minister visited the high school on Monday morning to personally deliver the news.
The grant is part of the Liberals’ and Nationals’ Community Safety Fund, which is expected to deliver $10 million over four years to community safety projects with a focus on crime prevention.
Mr Grant said local crime has a significant social and economic cost, and keeping kids focused on their schooling is crucial in diverting them from criminal and anti-social behaviour.
“Parkes High School’s Re-connect project will target students who have been suspended, or are facing expulsion from school, and ensure they are supported to continue with their education,” he said.
“This government is committed to doing all it can to prevent today’s students, and our future community leaders, from becoming statistics in the justice system.
“We acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all model simply does not work when it comes to reducing criminal and anti-social activity in our regions.
“I’m enormously proud that we are working with communities to bring local crime prevention strategies to fruition.
“I commend Parkes High School for identifying the need for this local project, and its commitment to giving its students the best possible start in life.”
Minister Grant said he was very happy to announce Parkes High School’s application for the grant was successful.
“I congratulate you because it’s not easy, it’s a competitive process,” he said.
“You are up against the entire state, not just schools, you are up against agencies and different organisations.
“You are being awarded $150,000 to invest in what is a vital time in young people’s lives that will hopefully give you the skills to allow those who are disconnected to reconnect and have opportunities in leadership.”
Minister Grant told students present from Parkes High School, Middleton Public School and Parkes East Public School to encourage each other to stay on the right path.
“The project will help you to try and divert some of your classmates and schoolmates from getting into trouble or getting into misadventure and making sure they stay on the right path,” he said.