Project Overhaul

Project Overhaul is an early intervention program offering youth aged 15 to 21 at risk of engaging in offending behaviour with opportunities to reflect and work towards personal development via vocational gateways, case management and support.

This program seeks to work with young people whose profile indicates a risk of offending or anti-social behaviour by intervening early and, where applicable, diverting youth from a path towards the court system. Project Overhaul will achieve this by empowering youth to reflect on their core values and align their behaviour with a desirable future. Through mentorship and support, program participants with a willingness to change will develop socially acceptable behaviours and practical skills which will assist them in their transition to a better path via engagement opportunities.

This Queensland Youth Services (QYS) led initiative is funded by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources under the Early Intervention stream of the Safer Communities Fund and is offered in partnership with Pitstop Karting and local Kalkadoon elder, Doug Bruce in Mt Isa.

Participants can choose from one of three gateways which include:

• Chameleon Upcycled Products (Townsville) – a social enterprise providing a simulated workplace experience where participants can learn carpentry/boiler making skills and access job readiness training.
• Pitstop Racing (Townsville) – learn alongside a motor sport racing team in a commercial go kart centre, gaining mechanical skills and exposure to the motor sport industry as well as job readiness training.
• Healing On Country (Mt Isa) – focused on preserving cultural knowledge, this program will allow youth to regain their cultural identity through hands-on activities which give a sense of purpose and appreciation for the community.

Each gateway will have a qualified Youth Worker providing case management and support to the young people who have been admitted to the program. A qualified Trades Person will be on site conducting activities for each of the Townsville gateways. A local Indigenous Australian elder will conduct all on country activities for the Mt Isa gateway. Note that gateway selection is based on location (Townsville or Mt Isa) and program availability.

Eligibility

Young people may be eligible for this program if they:

• Are transitioning out of detention (first time offenders)
• Are on bail (first time offenders)
• Have a parent or sibling who is incarcerated
• Are disengaged from education
• Known to be part of a gang and are displaying anti-social behaviour
• On a youth justice order

Referrals

Do you know a young person who may benefit from Project Overhaul? Submit your Expression of Interest here.

A Youth Worker will be in contact with you to provide referral forms or other relevant information as needed.

Referrals will be sought from:

• Detention Centre Transition Officers
• Youth Justice Support Workers
• Guidance Officers
• Case Workers/Managers
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Police Liaison Officers
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services
• Youth Engagement Programs (e.g. Proud Warrior, Transition to Success)
• Self-Referrers (young people who believe they may benefit from the program that have a willingness to change)

Enquiries

For direct program enquiries, email email hidden; JavaScript is required or call (07) 4410 9376.

Download our Project Overhaul Flyer here.

Program Delivery Locations & Staff