Tuesday, 29 October 2024

Ministers statements: The Power In You Project

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:29): Today I rise to update the house on another successful program we run through our corrections system and throughout our community outreach as well. I had an opportunity to visit the Power In You Project – a remarkable program operating across Geelong and the south-west region of our state. The program plays a vital role in supporting people to transition away from the justice system. Together with Ella George and Christine Couzens, the members for Lara and Geelong in the other place, I had an opportunity to see the fantastic work firsthand. I also had the pleasure of meeting the program’s founder Kane Nuttal, who is passionate about helping people overcome substance addiction and successfully reconnect with their community after incarceration.

The self-paced voluntary approach to recovery is what sets the Power In You apart. This model encourages individuals to reclaim ownership of their own lives at their own pace, ensuring sustainable long-term outcomes. The program offers a wide range of support services, including personal mentoring, substance addiction support, mental health services and helping people find a job – we know that is an important protective factor. I was also impressed by the connections they have made with local businesses in the Geelong area. One example they gave was the Costa Foundation and the work they have done there in terms of employment opportunities for people, because we know employment is a key protective factor.

The program offers a wide range of support services, including personal mentoring, substance addiction support and mental health services, and like I said, the jobs are key. Also, drop-in centres in Geelong and Warrnambool provide safe, welcoming spaces where participants can access a variety of resources, including a community garden, yoga, art therapies and even a chicken coop. At the Geelong centre I had the privilege of meeting staff whose lived experience of the justice system allows them to provide genuine mentorship.

This is just another example of our government partnering with an organisation that is doing good in our communities. I commend everyone at the Power In You Project for their dedication to this important work. Programs such as these are vital to helping people turn their lives around and exit the justice system for good and make all Victorians safer.