Project for Ipswich teenagers launched at UQ Ipswich
An innovative after hours and holiday activities program model for 13-to-15-year olds will be launched at UQ Ipswich today.
Queensland Treasurer David Hamill MLA will launch the After Hours Programs Project at a small ceremony at the UQ Ipswich Community Services and Research Centre at 10am.
Mr Hamill will also present a $50,000 cheque, the first funding instalment for the three-year $150,000 project from the Families, Youth and Community Care Department.
UQ Ipswich Community Services and Research Centre director Bruce Muirhead said the Ipswich community had identified an area of need for stimulating activities for 13-to-15-year-olds outside of school hours.
"While there are some programs around for this age group, we felt this could be an opportunity to maximise the resources of high quality service providers and develop interesting programs at the same time," he said.
"We applied for funding for a pilot program and we're currently advertising for a project officer who will consult with young people. The officer will investigate high quality providers of IT programs, contract community arts programs and other interesting activities in the Ipswich area. We're hoping that many teenagers taking part in the project will discover new skills and talents which they can develop."
Mr Muirhead said the project was a partnership between the University, local schools and young people. Community agencies, the Ipswich City Council, Queensland Parents and Citizens Association and Education Queensland were also involved in the collaboration.
The UQ Ipswich Community Service and Research Centre, an initiative of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, is a not-for profit collaborative centre based at UQ Ipswich servicing Ipswich and the surrounding communities. The Centre aims to assist community organisations and extend local social and behavioural services and research.
Since the Centre began in April, partnerships have been established between UQ Ipswich and the Ipswich communities, including the After Hours Programs Project, The Positive Links between Universities and Schools Project and Online Access for People with Disabilities.
Media: Further information Bruce Muirhead telephone 07 3381 1514.
