Cairns man dedicates his life savings to helping local kids thrive

Rob Hodge, a Cairns man with almost three decades of experience working with at-risk youth, has dedicated his life savings to creating a program called Fresh Start Academy. This program teaches young people practical trade skills such as mechanics and barbering to help them build a better future. After a successful first semester, Mr Hodge hopes to secure long-term funding support.

He found that working with at-risk youth in government departments had limitations, as young people were often seen as risks that needed to be contained. In the Cairns community, convincing people to care about at-risk youth was challenging. Determined to make a difference, Mr Hodge left his comfortable government job and built the program himself, using his own money and family support.

Participants in Fresh Start Academy learn hands-on mechanical and barbering skills, with 24 young people attending each semester. The program has received $300,000 in funding from the state government's Kickstarter program. Half of Mr Hodge's students are teenagers aged 15 to 17 who are disengaged from school or considered at risk of entering the justice system.

Mr Hodge believes that while punishment has its place, purpose, and pride are crucial for lasting change. The program coordinator, Mr Hodge's son Traye, said the program is a win-win for community members who donate their cars for free repairs and for the young people who gain practical skills. Since the first semester, four young people have secured apprenticeships, and another four are continuing their studies at TAFE.

Robert Cutmore, a 16-year-old participant, joined the program to learn away from a classroom, as school wasn't working for him. He has since become one of the program's best students and applied for apprenticeships, finding a future in mechanics. Youth Advocacy Centre chief executive Katherine Hayes praised programs like Fresh Start Academy, stating they should be supported to address juvenile crime by building essential skills.

However, stigma remains a significant barrier, as young offenders are aware of their perception and may have a nihilistic outlook, believing they have nothing to lose. Most young people in the system are not violent offenders, and many have the potential to come out better with support.