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East Kimberley’s MG Corporation first to take over WA Government’s Target 120 program to reduce youth crime

The Kimberley Echo
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MG Corporation executive chair Lawford Benning.
Camera IconMG Corporation executive chair Lawford Benning. Credit: Cally Dupe/Cally Dupe

MG Corporation has become the first Aboriginal community-controlled organisation to take over management of the WA Government’s Target 120 program.

Launched in 2017, Target 120 is an early intervention program that aims to reduce rates of youth reoffending by connecting at-risk young people with services and support.

The $20.4m program has been led by the Department of Communities, but will transition to an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation for the first time in Kununurra.

Community Services Minister Simone McGurk said MG Corporation was in a good position to provide culturally appropriate responses for at-risk young people and families in the region.

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“Supporting Aboriginal outcomes — particularly for young people — will support changes in behaviour that benefit the entire community,” she said.

MG Corporation executive chairman Lawford Benning said it was privilege to be the first ACCO to deliver the program to help children aged 10 to 14.

“This intensive wraparound support program is about building the capacity and self-determination of families, and will now be delivered by traditional owners to traditional owners,” he said.

“The cultural component added as an activity will not only strengthen families' connection to country, but also allow them to embrace themselves freely on country, which will be fundamental to their journey of healing as a family.”

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