The Maranguka Integrated Coordinated Case Support Model has received a Gold Award in the community-led category of the 2023 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPAs).

Maranguka, is a partnership with Just Reinvest New South Wales (NSW) and guided by the Bourke Tribal Council. The Bourke Tribal Council represents 22 tribal clan groups in Bourke and guides the work of Maranguka on behalf of the community.

All partners are committed to reducing crime and violence and improving outcomes for the Bourke community.

 "One of the keys to success of the program is the strong community collaboration, including the Police and Police Citizens Youth Centre and volunteers. This award is a great opportunity for other First Nations communities to see how Justice Reinvestment can drive change, as well as for policy and decision makers to recognise the value of community-led approaches to prevent crime and violence," said Maranguka Chief Executive Officer Alistair Ferguson.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he was pleased to see the program being recognised at a national level.

“I have had the pleasure of seeing how this initiative works first-hand and it’s clear that Maranguka is an important project for Bourke because it offers a grassroots, community-led solution for improving outcomes and creating better coordinated support for vulnerable families and children."

“I wholeheartedly support the work of the groups involved in Maranguka and have welcomed seeing the Project – the first major justice reinvestment project in Australia – grow with the support of the Federal Government. I have a lot of respect for Aboriginal leadership in the town of Bourke, who were instrumental in moving this project ahead and making a positive difference in their community.”

Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), Deputy Director Dr Rick Brown said this collaborative initiative has not only significantly reduced youth crime and the associated response costs but improved the outcomes for all participants.

"The increased education programs and school completion rates are outstanding," Dr Brown said.

The ACVPA's are a joint initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments and are delivered by the AIC. All projects are assessed each year by the ACVPA Board, which consists of senior law enforcement representatives from each state and territory police service.