WA Police provide $50,000 grant to City of Greater Geraldton for Late Night Basketball program for youth

The City of Greater Geraldton and police are working together to curb youth antisocial behaviour with the return of Late Night Basketball, a free social program to keep youth off the streets at night. The popular eight-week program will make its grand return on Friday with a record number of participants. Late Night Basketball is a free program designed to engage young people aged 12-17 so they can shoot goals both on and off the court. It provides a safe place for youth to socialise, participate in recreational activities and get a free feed at night. Matches will take place on Friday nights at Activewest Stadium during terms two and three. WA Police provided the city with a $50,000 grant to extend the program, which will include life skills workshops to encourage healthy choices, the purchase of new equipment and team jerseys and cover transportation costs to ensure players get home safe. A portion of funding will support the Bimba Basketball program in Mullewa over the next two terms. Mayor Jerry Clune expressed his gratitude to WA Police for the funding and thanked Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation (GSAC), MEEDAC, PCYC, Headspace and the Geraldton Buccaneers for their support. “Late Night Basketball provides a safe and structured environment that focuses on diverting young people away from detrimental behaviours by offering positive alternatives,” he said. “This funding will enable us to extend the program and offer a more comprehensive diversionary program.” Geraldton police acting Inspector Russell Hurst said officers from the Mid West-Gascoyne were proud to support Late Night Basketball in Geraldton and Mullewa. “The opportunity for police to assist with programs and ground level engagement strategies is pertinent in our abilities to forge relationships and develop a strong sense of community,” he said. “Officers from the Geraldton police station will be assisting with the program throughout the term and we hope to see as many participants as possible involved in the program.” Groups, organisations or volunteers interested in being involved in the program can contact city officer Jesse Steele via email at jesses@cgg.wa.gov.au or call 9956 6600.