To help steer young people away from a life of crime, two community organisations in Aspley and Bridgeman Downs have been chosen to deliver new, locally-focused support programmes funded by the $2.7 million Kickstarter initiative.
Grassroots Action for Local Youth
The investment will see the Queensland Blue Light Association Inc. begin its ‘Blue Edge’ programme in Aspley, while ACCER Care PL will run its ‘YD Project’ in Bridgeman Downs. These are two of the first 11 community-based projects in the region to receive the new funding.
In Aspley, the eight-week ‘Blue Edge’ programme will support at-risk youth by combining physical training with life skills workshops and peer-led mentorship. Delivered twice a week, the initiative aims to enhance mental and physical wellbeing, build leadership, and foster respectful relationships between young people and police, culminating in a celebratory graduation event.
Meanwhile, the ‘YD Project’ in Bridgeman Downs is a 12-week early intervention initiative focused on empowering Indigenous youth aged 8 to 17. The programme uses individualised case management, mentoring, and cultural activities to foster positive life choices. For participants who require additional support, an optional extended 12-week phase is also available.
The Fuel Behind the Initiative
This local support is made possible by the Queensland Government’s new ‘Kickstarter’ grant programme. The Aspley and Bridgeman Downs organisations received a share of the $2.7 million distributed in the first round of funding.
The Kickstarter programme was created to trial new ideas for preventing youth crime by empowering local groups to address challenges unique to their communities. To be successful, applicants had to show how their projects would reduce crime, help youths re-engage with education or training, and repair family relationships. Programmes that demonstrate a measurable positive impact may become eligible for ongoing funding in the future.
A Statewide Push for Early Support
The grants are part of the government’s wider $115 million ‘Gold Standard Early Intervention’ strategy, a key pillar of its efforts to improve community safety. Overall, a total of $50 million will be committed to the Kickstarter programme across four years.
According to the Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, Laura Gerber, this investment is a critical step in preventing young people from entering a life of crime. The government’s view is that effective, community-led intervention offers youths a positive path forward while helping to restore safety in local neighbourhoods. The initiative follows a period where, according to the government, insufficient investment was made in such preventative measures.
More Opportunities on the Horizon
With the first round of recipients announced, the government has now opened a second round of funding. Community organisations across Queensland are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $300,000 to develop their own innovative early intervention ideas.
Applications for the second round of the Kickstarter programme will close on 10 September 2025.
Published Date 13-September-2025
