Young offenders in Logan are giving back and supporting those homeless in the city through a partnership with a community garden and local support providers.
Logan Youth Justice teamed up with members of Crestmead Community Garden and Youth Off The Streets almost 10 months ago, with the young people involved given the opportunity to learn life skills while supporting other members of the community.
Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said the partnership allowed young people who have been through the youth justice system to make a positive contribution to the local community.
“This is about helping these young people get on the right track so they can give back to the community,” Mr Dick said.
“They are caring for the garden, growing a range of vegetables and herbs, and are being taught vital life skills such as cooking, using ingredients from the garden.
“Additionally, Logan Youth Justice now have a soup kitchen initiative that runs every Tuesday, in partnership with The Salvation Army.
“The food made in the kitchen by these young people is then served to members of the local community who are homeless, so they’re not only turning their lives around but improving the lives of others while doing so.”
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said the collaboration had a strong focus on supporting young people to not only take care of the garden but also to take ownership through creative engagement in cultural programs, including mural art work and removing graffiti.
“It’s fantastic to see Logan City Council supporting this initiative, supplying the paint and other materials these young people require,” Ms Farmer said.
“It’s just wonderful to see the talent these young kids have on display for everyone to see in the murals they paint and the garden they are caring for.
“Members of the community garden have really embraced these young people, and I’ve heard they even played a pivotal role supporting one of our young people and their family before, during and after a youth justice conference.”
Ms Farmer said a number of key stakeholders are involved, including PCYC, Logan Adolescent Drug Dependencies Early Response Service (LADDERS), The Salvation Army, Lighthouse Care, Bunnings, Youth Off The Streets, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
