Community Connect
Community Connect is a place-based youth development initiative delivered in public and semi-public spaces across Cairns.
Trained Youth Development Coaches provide a proactive and consistent presence focused on community safety.
A feasibility pilot at Smithfield Shopping Centre in January 2026 confirmed the model's safety and feasibility and In May 2026, Thrive & Connect was announced as the primary youth organisation in Smithfield Shopping Centre's All-Ages Community Engagement Initiative.
What We Do
Our team operate within public and community spaces where young people naturally gather, providing a proactive and relationship-focused presence to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
Working collaboratively with retailers, security teams, centre staff, councils and community organisations, our youth development coaches help identify:
where young people are gathering
when additional engagement or support may be beneficial to preventing crime or anti-social behaviour
emerging tensions or situations that may have the potential to escalate
opportunities to connect young people into programs, activities or additional support pathways
We engage directly with young people in real time before issues become more significant.
Importantly, our team are not security or enforcement personnel. Our role is to build trust and support positive engagement, contributing to safer, more welcoming community spaces.
Where We Work
Community Connect is designed for public and community environments where young people and the broader community naturally intersect.
This can include:
shopping centres and retail precincts
public gathering spaces and community hubs
community events
transport and transit environments
entertainment and recreational precincts
council and place-based community safety initiatives
Programs are adapted to the environment, stakeholder needs and the young people involved.
Outcomes
A proactive and relationship-focused engagement approach toward young people within public and community spaces enables the following:
calmer and more welcoming public environments, facilitating increased foot traffic.
earlier identification of support needs and pathways, reducing escalation and conflict
stronger connections and relationships between young people, stakeholders and community
Perception shifts in how young people are viewed in public places
Let’s Talk
If you’d like to explore how Community Connect could work within your space or community, we’d love to hear from you.