Premier Steven Miles has announced more than $2.65 million in new funding provided to the JTYouGotThis program
Additional funding will allow more than 200 additional young people to access the program in 2025
Premier Miles has also committed to ongoing funding of $4.9 million a year, to expand the program further, if elected in October
The Miles Labor Government continues to back the Johnathan Thurston Academy’s JTYouGotThis program, providing an additional $2.65 million in funding to expand service delivery until the end of 2025.
This funding boost will enable more than 200 additional young people to access the 10-week face-to-face program that aims to foster resilience and build confidence in at-risk young people to address anti-social behaviours.
In groups of 10 to 15, mentors work with participants to develop the tools they need to drive their own positive change using goal setting and cultural engagement.
Through an initial $4.73 million Miles Government investment, the JTYouGotThis has been delivered in Cairns and Townsville since 2023 and in Mount Isa this year, with 202 young people referred to the program and 174 young people currently supported.
The new funding will bring the Government’s total commitment for the delivery of the JTYouGotThis program to $7.38 million.
Premier Miles has also committed $4.9 million a year, until 2027, which will be invested in the JT Academy, to further expand their operations and reach more Queensland kids.
This commitment would see the JTYouGotThis program reach 350 at-risk kids each year.
JTYouGotThis is part of a suite of early intervention programs funded by the Queensland Government that help divert at-risk young people from the criminal justice system, including the Townsville Street University, Early Action Groups, Project Booyah, School Support Officer Program, and programs delivered by PCYCs.
Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:
“I have always said we will invest in what we know works and we know what the JT Academy does here works.
“Hundreds of kids have benefited from these face-to-face workshops that are designed to put participants in charge of their future.
“I am proud to lead a government that does what matters, by continuing to support the Johathan Thurston Academy.
“By empowering and equipping young people with the skills and resilience they need, we are investing in their potential and building a stronger, safer Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer:
“We recognise that community safety is a concern for many Queenslanders and that is why we’re investing in prevention and early intervention.
“The JTYouGotThis program focuses on young offenders already on a youth justice order or who have been identified as being at risk of engaging in increased future offending.
“Young people are referred to the program through Youth Justice Service Centres, Youth Co-Responder Teams and Early Action Groups.
“An early evaluation of the program found it showed promise in achieving positive outcomes as intended for young people who complete the program.”
Quotes attributable to Townsville MP Scott Stewart:
“Investing in evidence-based approaches is what we do as a government and we have seen the amazing work the JT Academy does here in Townsville.”
Quotes attributable to Mundingburra MP Les Walker:
“Early intervention is so important to ensure young people remain on track and have the best opportunities in their young lives, which is why programs like the JT Academy are so important.”
Quotes attributable to Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper:
“JT is an inspiration to so many in Townsville and Queensland and through his academy he continues to make a difference in young people’s lives.
“I believe we need local solutions to local issues in addressing community safety.
“JT is Townsville. He gets it and I applaud his commitment to turning around the lives of young people.”
Quotes attributable to Johnathan Thurston:
“JTYGT early intervention program is aligned to the Australian Curriculum and Youth Justice Framework. It is focused on the Health and Well-Being Component of the curriculum however is integrated across many learning areas.
“We are committed to aligning our program delivery with youth justice evidence-based practices on effective service delivery.
“The program offers a flexible, engaging, safe and positive environment where the youth are mentored by the JT Academy team, and this aims to lead to a positive shift in attitude, self-worth, and value.
“The program provides a pathway for the youth that will encourage them back to education or provide employment opportunities.
“The Academy values a collaborative approach by coordinating where appropriate with key stakeholders and Traditional Owners.”
Case studies:
Young people who are referred to the program are considered to be a risk of reoffending. Since September 2023, 82 per cent of young people who have completed the program have seen positive life change between their referral and case closure.
A 15-year-old male was disconnected from his culture and community. He was not attending school and doing drugs. The JTYouGotThis program provided harm minimisation, prosocial goal setting and cultural mentoring. He is now educated in what substances do to your body and mind and has moved into a peer mentor role for the JTYouGotThis program.
A 13-year-old female, at the time of referral, was disengaged from school. At end of program, she was back in school and reporting that her confidence, self-belief and courage had improved significantly.
A 15-year-old male with outstanding court appearances and multiple Youth Justice orders was referred to the JTYouGotThis program. After completing the program, his outlook on life changed, offending behaviours had reduced and his confidence, courage and self-belief had improved. He is now a positive role model for his younger siblings and other young people in the program.
As of the end of August 2024:
29 per cent of young people still involved in the program have reported improvements in substance use, mental health and education engagement.
26 per cent have reported improvement in communication, family and peer relationships, managing emotions and behaviours, employment and housing and disability circumstances.
ENDS