Four local initiatives in Springfield Lakes and Ipswich are among the successful Greater Brisbane recipients of the Kickstarter grants, part of the state’s Gold Standard Early Intervention commitment.
Read: Greenbank Scouts Strengthen Youth Programs with $2.5K Community Grant
In its first round, the program has provided $2.7 million to 11 community-driven projects designed to support at-risk young people and break cycles of offending.
Legacy Cultural Youth Program – Springfield Lakes
Delivered by Legacy Connect (Cultural Wellbeing Services), this two-year initiative is centred on at-risk Pasifika, CALD, and Indigenous youth. It provides culturally grounded workshops alongside one-on-one mentoring, helping participants strengthen cultural pride, improve school attendance, and develop healthy coping strategies. By addressing trauma, disengagement, and complex social needs, the program aims to foster a stronger sense of belonging and community resilience.
The Durungal Program – Ipswich
Run by Dynamic Community Care, The Durungal Program focuses on reducing aggression and teaching non-violent conflict resolution skills. Delivered over eight weeks, it engages young people aged 10–17 in personalised sessions held in schools, homes, or community spaces. Each participant follows a tailored learning plan designed to strengthen social skills and improve relationships, equipping them with practical tools to manage challenges without resorting to violence.
STRONG Futures – Ipswich
V.I.T.A.L. Projex is leading the STRONG Futures program, which supports 80 young people across four 10-week cohorts. The initiative blends mentoring with innovative approaches such as adventure-based therapy, virtual reality self-reflection, and neurofeedback brain training. Designed to reduce anti-social behaviour and reoffending, the program combines cutting-edge technology with culturally safe, trauma-informed support to build resilience and prepare participants for education, training, or employment pathways.
Reconnect with Culture and Community – Ipswich
Photo credit: Afta Putta Gunawan/Pexels
The Youth Retreat Centre’s program works intensively with young people aged 14–17, with a strong emphasis on cultural reconnection. Participants receive case management, mentoring, and tailored referrals, while also engaging in life skills development and education support. The approach is particularly focused on First Nations youth, helping them rediscover cultural identity and build positive community ties that reduce the risk of offending.
Read: New Traineeship Program Offers Ipswich Youth Pathway to Construction Careers
Together, these four initiatives represent a shift towards prevention and support rather than punishment. By combining cultural knowledge, practical skills, and innovative methods, they are giving young people in Ipswich and Springfield Lakes the chance to find new directions and stronger connections.
Published 8-September-2025
