Community Investment Strengthens Souths Cares' Deadly Youth Mentoring Program
Souths Cares has welcomed the announcement of additional funding for community-led youth crime prevention initiatives across New South Wales, reinforcing the importance of early intervention programs such as Souths Cares' Deadly Youth Mentoring Program and other Aboriginal-led initiatives supporting young people across the state.
Among the recipients is Winmarra Aboriginal Corporation, which received funding for its Strong Spirit, Strong Mind, Strong Body program, delivered in the Brewarrina region. The investment recognises the important role that community organisations play in creating safe, positive pathways for young people by strengthening connections to culture, education, employment and support networks.
Established by Souths Cares and delivered across South Sydney, the Deadly Youth Mentoring Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through mentoring, cultural connection and opportunities for personal growth. The program focuses on building confidence, resilience and positive pathways while strengthening participants' connection to culture, community and education.
The funding announcement brought together community leaders, government representatives and young people involved in community programs. South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO and Souths Cares and Winmarra Director Blake Solly attended alongside South Sydney Rabbitohs players Jack Wighton and Lachlan Hubner, Rabbitohs player and Winmarra co-founder Latrell Mitchell, Jihad Dib, Minister for Youth Justice, Kelly-Anne Stewart, Executive Director Youth Justice, representatives from Winmarra Aboriginal Corporation and participants from Souths Cares' Deadly Youth Mentoring Program.
Blake Solly, Rabbitohs CEO and Souths Cares and Winmarra Director"This funding recognises something we know to be true — while the challenges facing young people in metropolitan and regional communities can look different, they are equally serious and require targeted, community-led responses. Souths Cares and the Winmarra Foundation are proud to support communities in different parts of the state, and this funding will help us continue that work. We're incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for backing community-led initiatives that create real impact. This investment will help ensure more young people can access the support they need to thrive."
At Souths Cares, we see first-hand the impact that early intervention and community engagement can have on young people and their families. Programs that build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging are critical in helping young people reach their potential and avoid negative outcomes.
The funding forms part of a broader NSW Government commitment to support locally led initiatives that prevent and respond to youth offending while improving community safety. Souths Cares looks forward to continuing its work alongside organisations such as Winmarra and other community partners who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across New South Wales.
