Townsville Stronger Communities
Townsville is one of Australia’s most liveable cities. We want everyone to feel safe while they enjoy everything Townsville has to offer—that’s why we’re taking extra steps to respond to youth crime.
In September 2016, we established the Townsville Stronger Communities initiative to get young people back on track to lead more productive lives.
Crime is a problem we can’t solve alone, but through a whole of government, whole of community and whole of family approach, we can work together to break the cycle.
Townsville Community Champion report
A report by the independent Townsville Community Champion on youth crime issues, Major General (Rtd) Stuart Smith.
The Queensland Government has issued a response to the Townsville Community Champion’s report and accepts all its recommendations in principle.
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Townsville Stronger Communities Early Action Group — About us
The action group comprises senior representatives of key agencies to provide a whole-of-government response to youth crime.
The group coordinates services for young people at high-risk of entering the youth justice system and their families.
Report school truancy
Helping children to stay in school is an important way to reduce youth crime.
Protecting your home
Help protect your home against break and enters by practicing good home security.
Explainer: the Youth Justice system
What happens to young people when they offend? Find out how the youth justice process works.
oneplace
oneplace is an easily accessible directory of community support services to help Queensland families to get to the right service at the right time.
Youth justice
See what the world looks like for Townsville children connected with youth justice.
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Media statements
Queensland Government media statements on actions being taken to tackle crime in North Queensland.
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Actions to tackle youth crime
By addressing the drivers of youth crime and better supporting young people on the transition to adulthood, young people can avoid becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system. We know this is best achieved through early intervention activities, such as diversionary programs, along with education, training, employment, housing and sport, that wrap around at-risk young people and their families.
Find out more about services in the youth justice system .
Find out more about how we are changing the youth justice story.
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Youth crime data
The department has statistics available about young people in the youth justice system in Queensland.
Find out more about youth justice statistics.
Townsville crime heat map
Get in touch with the Townsville Stronger Communities Early Action Group
The action group comprises senior representatives of key agencies to provide an integrated, whole-of-government response to youth crime issues.
This form is not for emergency assistance. If a crime is happening now call Triple Zero (000). If non-urgent, call Policelink on 131 444.
Townsville contacts
Act for Kids
Specialist teams supporting children, young people and families across the whole spectrum of child protection.
ATODS
Information, clinical assessment, counselling, treatment and referral for individuals, groups and families with alcohol and other drug-related problems.
Clontarf Foundation
The Clontarf Foundation operates in four Townsville high schools and seeks to improve the education, discipline, life skills and job prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
Coast to Country Housing Company
Housing assistance for people in need.
Community Gro
A community-based organisation that provides activities, programs and services, including the Upper Ross and Garbutt community centres.
Community Legal Centres Queensland
Free information, advice and referral, representation and casework, community education and advocacy for vulnerable clients and communities facing legal problems.
Community Policing Board Townsville
Community Policing Boards give local organisations and people a say on crime issues.
DV Connect
The only statewide telephone service offering anyone affected by domestic or family violence a free ‘crisis hotline’ 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Family and Child Connect
A free service that connects families to local providers that can help with managing children's behaviour; building better family relationships; stopping violence at home; budgeting and managing money; addressing alcohol, drug or gambling problems; and accessing housing, health care or other services.
Headspace
The national youth mental health foundation dedicated to improving the wellbeing of young Australians.
Lives Lived Well
Support for people affected by alcohol or drugs or problems with mental health.
myPolice Townsville
Regular updates from local police.
Ozcare
Homeless and housing services, as well as drug and alcohol services, women’s refuges and Indigenous services.
Policelink
For non-urgent incidents, call 131 444 or lodge a report online.
Queensland Youth Services
Services for 12 to 25 year olds, including help for youth who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, and assistance in addressing barriers to employment.
Red Cross Homelessness Service Hub
Support for vulnerable people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Townsville.
Salvation Army Recovery Services
The Salvation Army operates a 33-bed residential rehabilitation facility in Townsville for men and women seeking recovery from addiction to alcohol, other drugs and gambling.
Sharehouse Youth Accommodation
A crisis shelter for 16–25 year olds.
TAIHS
The Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Services offers health services, child and family services, and youth services.
The Lighthouse
An after-hours drop-in centre that gives 10–16 year olds a safe space between 4pm and 8am daily. 1800 196 884.
Townsville Neighbourhood and Community Centres search
Neighbourhood and community centres provide friendly, localised access to child, family and community services.
Townsville Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch encourages individuals, families, businesses and communities to work together to reduce crime and improve community safety.
Townsville Youth Council
The council represents young people and organises youth projects and events.
The Youth Network NQ Inc
A service that runs youth engagement activities and hosts monthly meetings for youth workers to connect, exchange information and collaborate on service delivery.
Uncle Alfred’s Men’s Group
Alfred Smallwood is an Indigenous Elder in Townsville who helps children and adults stay out of trouble in the justice system. A men's group meets every Tuesday evening.
Yumba-Meta Housing Association
Short, medium and long-term accommodation and support services for disadvantaged people in Townsville, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Last reviewed
- 12 July 2021
- Last modified
- 15 May 2022
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence