GEGAC’s Koori Youth Justice Worker, Sheleigh Kenny. Photo: Troy Brown/GEGAC
GEGAC is very pleased to announce that our Koori Youth Justice service is back up and running, with the appointment earlier this month of new Koori Youth Justice Worker, Sheleigh Kenny.
The Koori Youth Justice Program works to reduce the number of young Indigenous people in the police and the juvenile justice system.
A proud local Kurnai woman, Sheleigh worked for the past 16 years in local government, before making a big change in her career joining the Tanderra team at GEGAC.
“I wanted to be able to do more for my community, and be more involved,” she said.
That change was inspired by the personal experiences of her own life, and what Sheleigh says is an urgent need to help young Aboriginal people.
“There is a huge amount of troubles our youth struggle with these days, and it can be hard to deal with or know where to get the right support for them,” she said. “I’ve had lived experience helping many young people on a personal level over many years, in some of the hardest situations I have ever seen.”
In her role Sheleigh will support young Aboriginal people involved in the police and courts system, as well as providing connection to medical supports, education and training, cultural connections and engagement in the community.
“I believe there is a lot of support and understanding I can give to our youth in our community, to help them manage, grow and walk the right path in life,” Sheleigh said.
“I’m sure we have all heard people say ‘no, sorry, you don’t fit the criteria for a program.’ At GEGAC we offer not only support but also understanding, and a safe environment for mob to reach out for help and just have a yarn.”
“No matter how big or small your struggles are, we are here to help.”
If you or someone you know needs some support, whether it be to prevent them from entering the justice system or if they are already in the justice system, get in contact with Sheleigh today.
She is here to help you in a safe environment.
Contact 5150 0700 and ask to be put through to the Koori Youth Justice Worker, or email justice@gegac.org.au.
