Shared Responsibility Agreements

Shared Responsibility Agreement

Around 150 of the 600 Aboriginal residents of Narrandera are under the age of 18. The community wants to build a better future for its young people by improving school retention rates, and giving young people work-related skills.

This SRA will allow a group of young people to build a motor vehicle to participate in the Dry Salt Races. Years 11 and 12 students will get lessons on driving skills to help them obtain their driving licences and progress to advanced driving qualifications.

The Australian Government will provide funding to build the car and for a youth services officer to connect the participants to mainstream employment and training services.

The NSW Police Department is playing an active role, supported by TAFE, the Road Transport Authority and volunteers including staff from local schools. Police will coordinate the motor-vehicle building project and driver training. The local TAFE will provide a mechanics teacher.

The community will ensure school attendance through volunteers working with the home-school liaison officer, while CDEP participants will provide practical support to the young people. The community will monitor the results of the project and help to identify community work opportunities and resources for young people.

To participate in car-building, young people must attend school and also commit to ‘no drugs, no alcohol’ and repaying their fines. Participants will use their new skills for community benefit such as driving a night patrol bus or taking other kids to sport and recreational activities.

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Key Facts

Regional town on Murrumbidgee River, 300 km SW of Sydney

Population:

Around 5200, of whom 600 are Indigenous

Focus of the SRA:

Training and activities for young people

What the SRA provides:

Youth services officer; funds for car building

ICC:

Wagga Wagga

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