Legislative Councilors visit Chance On Main

maria campbell

PHOTO: Chance on Main’s Operations Manager Mr Mike Duval-Stewart shows completed works built by program participants.

Nine members of Tasmania’s Legislative Council recently spent an informative afternoon at Chance on Main, where they were briefed on the work undertaken with ‘at risk’ youth, and the urgent need for recurrent State Government funding to keep the program running past June 30 this year.

The Legislative Councilors were sympathetic to the funding dilemma facing the multi-award winning restorative program. A number of the elected members present were instrumental in producing the findings of the Legislative Council Select Committee Report into Ashley Youth Detention Centre, Youth Justice and Detention in 2007. The Committee recommended:

  • Early intervention policies and programs should be available for children and young people at-risk of entering the youth justice system, including appropriate assessment for mental health, addiction, brain injury and other impediments that may be the cause of anti social behavior;

 

  • That the Government further reassesses its commitment to the principle of ‘detention as a last resort’ and acknowledges the cost effectiveness of diverting young offenders from incarceration at Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
  • Organisations, such as Chance on Main, are keen to provide programs within AYDC framework but their capacity to contribute significantly is restricted by the limitations of their funding.

The visit to Chance on Main was arranged by former Mayor of Glenorchy and Independent Member for Elwick, Mr Terry Martin and Chance on Main’s Operations Manager, Mr Mike Duval-Stewart.

PHOTO: Visiting Legislative Councilors tour the workshop facilities at Chance on Main.

“Each year one member of Tasmania’s Legislative Council has the opportunity to ‘show off’ their electorate to other Legislative Council Members. In just three days we visited 18 local businesses and service organisations. I often say that my job allows me to meet the most wonderful and amazing people and the City of Glenorchy is full of them,” said Mr Martin.

“A great example of this is the tireless and passionate staff and management at Chance on Main who do a superb job helping young people with behavioral issues to grow in their self confidence and self worth.”

Accompanying Mr Martin on the visit to Chance on Main were Ms Sue Smith MLC, Mr Don Wing MLC, Ms Tania Rattray-Wagner MLC, Mr Jim Wilkinson MLC, Mr Paul Harriss MLC, Mr Kerry Finch MLC, Mr Greg Hall MLC, and Ms Ruth Forrest MLC.