The award-winning Project Booyah is an early intervention program for disengaged youth, led by Police across Queensland.

2017 participants took part in a five month program in which they were mentored and taught valuable life skills.

Queensland co-ordinator for Project Booyah, Stephen Pyne, spoke of the importance of courage and family.

“Well done boys, it’s a big night for you and your family, and I congratulate you on the work you’ve done over the last 20 weeks, showing the courage to engage in the program.

He acknowledged the work of project co-ordinator Constable Bianca Carloss, youth worker Alana Page, and Police Liaison Officer Serena Daniels.

Also present were QPS officers, Major Jeremy Barraclough and Company Sergeant Major Hagar Quirke.

Major Jeremy Barraclough was instrumental in engaging the youth in boot camps at the 51^st Battalion base and at Razorback Ridge, teaching abseiling.

The four young men also completed their certificate in Sports and Recreation through TAFE Queensland North.

Constable Bianca Carloss said she was veyr proud of the young men, who all have bright futures ahead of them.

“I believe in these young men, now they just need to belive in themselves,” she said.

Jemma Schweikert from sponsor company Glencore also attended the graduation.

In January Police Minister Mark Ryan announced more than $7million to deliver the program in nine regions including Mount Isa.

Minister Ryan said the Queensland Police Service-led project supported by the state government and PCYC, targeted criminal behaviour and the attitudes of at-risk youth.

“In the past five years, 386 youths have graduated from Project Booyah programs,” Mr Ryan said.

In 2016, Project Booyah won the gold award in the police-led category of the 2016 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.

For more information on Project Booyah and how to apply, visit www.projectbooyah.com.au