Already in place across much of the Western Plains, a coordinated early intervention program aimed at tackling youth crime and supporting at-risk young people is set to expand in regional and remote areas, thanks to a $5.1 million investment announced in the recent 2025-26 NSW Budget.

The funding, part of a broader $20.8 million commitment for the NSW Police Force, will support the delivery of Youth Action Meetings (YAMs) across rural and regional New South Wales.

These meetings bring together multiple agencies to intervene early and provide wraparound support for young people who are persistent offenders or who may be vulnerable to falling through the cracks.

Superintendent District Commander of the Central North Police District, Gerard Lawson, confirmed the program is already active in parts of the Western Plains.

“We’ve got them in place in Bourke and in Walgett,” he said.

“They’re a coordinated, multi-agency approach to kids at risk, whether that’s their risk of offending or their safety being at risk.

"These are the only two in the part of my district that is considered as being included in the Western Plains, but there are many other YAMS meetings in other Western Plains shires.”

“The extra funding in the budget will not impact Central North as we already have a YAMS coordinator.”

Superintendent Lawson explained the referral process to be involved in these youth meetings.

“There’s a pathway through other agencies, and we also make our own referrals. It’s a collaborative effort,” he said.

“The idea behind this new funding is to expand the model to other areas where it’s needed.”

Superintendent Lawson added that the Youth Action Meetings have had a tangible impact in communities where they already operate.

“They’re well attended and well run,” he said.

“We see strong engagement from all the partner organisations, and it gives these kids a chance to get support early.”

The meetings are led by dedicated coordinators who liaise with schools, health services, child protection, police, and community groups to create action plans for at-risk youth.

NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Cattley said newly budgeted resources for the police would help strengthen response to regional crime.

The program is already credited with improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and reducing recidivism in several districts.

NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Cattley told Parliament the funding would help strengthen the regional crime response while addressing the root causes of youth offending.

“This is about early intervention and smarter policing,” she said.

“Youth Action Meeting Coordinators operate across local Police Districts in every region, and this new funding will ensure more communities across rural and regional NSW have access to this essential support.”

Minister Cattley also announced a separate $125.8 million for technology upgrades in the NSW Police Force, including:

• • $24.6 million for a Cyber Security Enhancement Program.

• • $50 million to improve police communications infrastructure, including 000 and the Police Assistance Line.

• • $6 million in new investigative equipment; and

• • $45.2 million to modernise the police payroll system.

“These upgrades will keep our officers one step ahead of our worst criminals,” Minister Cattley said.

“It’s critical that regional police have the tools, resources, and community-based support to do their job effectively.”