“Territory Families has a committed focus to early intervention for young people.  Operation Flinders takes at-risk youths and helps to rebuild their confidence and people skills in a pro-social, yet challenging environment by trekking 100km through the Flinders Ranges.

Activities incorporate the Duke of Edinburgh's Youth Leadership program and include cross country hikes, abseiling, team building activities, bush survival skills, navigation and first aid skills, as well as an understanding of Aboriginal culture and the history of the Flinders Ranges.

“The intensive 8-day camp is a ‘circuit-breaker’ for these young people and it’s followed up with 3-months of support to meet their life goals afterwards,” said Deputy CEO, Operations Jeanette Kerr.

“Every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential. The participants are taken outside their comfort zones and faced with transformational decisions where attributes such as personal responsibility, team work and the ability to see others’ point of view are brought to the fore”.

“Operation Flinders is a proven successful method to help young people avoid the youth justice system.  It’s a wonderful outcome that all graduates have remained committed to better life choices upon their return home, including regularly attending school and accessing youth support services after hours,” Ms Kerr said.

The graduation will take place at the Katherine Youth Outreach and Re-engagement Team’s (YORET) Centre on Grevillea Road in Katherine East at 5pm.

The cohort will host the Operation Flinders Team Leaders from South Australia on a hike at Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) to show off their country during the day.  Later they will join their families for the ceremony in the evening.

The next Youth Wilderness Camp is scheduled from 20 March to 31 March 2018, which will be for 10 boys from the Nhulunbuy region. Planning has also commenced for camps three and four, scheduled for May and June 2018, which will support 10 girls and 10 boys from the Darwin region.

The program is a joint initiative between Territory Families and Operation Flinders and is co-funded by SANTOS.

Photo opportunity:            Photos will be supplied
Interview graduates:         5.00pm Katherine Youth Outreach and Re-engagement Team’s (YORET) Centre on Grevillea Road

Territory Families media contact:

Hayley Palazzi
08 8999 2940