A COMMUNITY boxing initiative is helping young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system find structure, support and belonging through sport.
Boxing on Track was established in 2018 by Dean Groth and Deanne Short, drawing on their experiences working within the criminal justice system.
Dean spent nine years as an educator at Kempsey Jail, witnessing the difficulties faced by young men entering the justice system.
“Working in the jail, you see the impact the criminal justice system can have on young men, and we wanted to do something to help prevent them from ending up there,” Mr Groth said.
Participants undertake a nine-week introductory program covering boxing fundamentals with a qualified NSW coach before joining a local boxing club.
The program brings together sporting, legal, health and community professionals, including boxing Olympian and criminal defence lawyer Shelley Watts, Indigenous mediators Luke Ballard and Russell Kavanagh, and criminal law specialist Michael Giles.
At Port Macquarie’s Nautilus Campus, Student Support Officer (SSO) Jarin Penniall is witnessing encouraging changes in student behaviour.
Nautilus is an independent school providing alternative education opportunities for students in Years 7–11, particularly those facing challenging circumstances.
Jarin, whose role focuses on student wellbeing, reported a substantial reduction in serious behavioural incidents during the program.
Students recorded more than 32 incidents in the weeks preceding the program, falling to single figures over five weeks, with incidents also decreasing in severity.
“We are seeing accountability for actions and a bond between participants that has resulted in participant-led discussion and intervention when another makes a bad choice,” Jarin said.
He also reported a significant reduction in oversexualised comments and improved treatment of female staff and classmates.
These early outcomes highlight the potential of structured sporting programs to foster positive relationships, accountability and behavioural change among young people.
By Rasa KABAILA
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