Coastal Connector Program
“Some in the community still see young people involved in crime as fully aware of their actions and deserving of harsh punishment. But we saw firsthand what actually works—when given the right space, these kids can grow, change, and develop pro-social identities.”
A Strengths-Based Early Intervention Pilot (2024)
The Coastal Connector Program was piloted in North Queensland to address rising youth disengagement and vulnerability to crime by offering a relational, strengths-based, and culturally aware model of early intervention.
Funded by the Queensland Government’s Kickstarter Grant in 2024, the program was delivered over 18 program days across a calendar month, engaging 21 young people in real-world, hands-on experiences like fishing, cooking, gaming, and team challenges. These activities were co-designed with participants, providing opportunities for leadership, connection, and self-expression.
Rather than relying on compliance-based or punitive models, the program focused on:
Building pro-social identity and resilience through culturally relevant activities
Strengthening emotional regulation, confidence, and peer support
Creating safe spaces where facilitators were mentors — not authority figures
Facilitating a shift in community and participant perspectives around identity, belonging, and future pathways
By fostering autonomy, trust, and purpose, the program demonstrated significant behavioural and emotional transformation, with 20 of 21 participants returning to school, and many engaging in leadership and extracurricular roles.
