SARKIS Achmar has a dream of keeping young street kids safe at night, but he needs community support to get the funding.
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Mr Achmar, who use to work at the Kelso Community Hub, is now based in Sydney, but if successful in obtaining government funding, plans to roll out his program in Bathurst, Kelso, and ideally the Central West.
His proposal, Humanity Matters, would see mobile youth safe zones set up at hot spots across Bathurst on Friday and Saturday nights.
Mr Achmar said the idea behind his proposal is to establish the zones at various points across the city where young people come at night, access food and link up with support services which can help them.
He said the point of contact would rotate between Kelso, West Bathurst and the CBD.
The program would target youth who are bored, causing havoc and get them off the streets.
But to get the funding Mr Achmar said he needs people to vote for the program.
"I really need to get the word out there, I really want Bathurst to get this, and eventually expand it to the Central West," he said.
Ultimately, Mr Achmar said the zones will provide kids at risk with a safe area to hang out.
"Youth workers and volunteers will be available to provide information, support and referrals, as well as identifying and supporting young people who are at risk.
"Through this project, marginalised at-risk youth will be linked into community supports.
"Marginalised unsupported youth are at risk of escalating harm as result of their lack of positive connections and vulnerability to negative activities and influences on the street.
"Excessive drinking and drugs places them at risk of physical harm, as well as increasing their susceptibility to being exploited or assaulted or causing harm to others. Additionally, the broader community will benefit from a reduction in street crime and vandalism," he said.
Around 26 community projects throughout the Bathurst electorate have put forward for funding through the state government's My Community Project scheme.
Each project is campaigning for a grant between $20,000 and $200,000, with funding to be decided by public votes. Voting for the scheme opened on Monday, and will close on August 15.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said there are a diverse range of local projects in the running for a grant.
"They cover the length and breadth of the Bathurst Electorate and I would encourage everyone to have their say," Mr Toole said.
Vote online at mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au or at your local Service NSW Centre.