The red dust of Mount Isa carries stories. In every particle that rises with the morning wind, there are memories of connection, rupture, and the profound work of mending.

Reflections on creating culturally-led pathways for young people to connect with identity and purpose while navigating contemporary challenges in Central Australia.

Government investment in youth crime prevention is a welcome and timely step. To truly transform young lives and enhance community safety, however, programs must meet a gold standard of design and delivery. This position paper outlines a vision for gold-standard youth crime prevention and practical guidance on designing “kickstarter” initiatives that change life trajectories for at-risk youth.