Operation Newstart (Northern Region) is an outdoor-adventure based intervention program working with students deemed to be at “significant educational risk”. This refers to students who’ve failed to attend school regularly over a significant period of time, who are at risk of school expulsion, or not successfully completing their secondary education.

The program is targeted at young people aged between 14 to 18 years of age who reside within the Northern Metropolitan Region.

Operation Newstart is a collaborative partnership between the Department of Education, Employment and Training, Victoria Police, and other agencies who form our partners.

The group work program provides a multi-layered intervention, focusing on the young person’s relationship with self, family, school and the broader community. A range of activities are used to engage the young person in a process of positive change.

Operation Newstart allows students who are experiencing difficulties at school, to engage in a high challenge, outdoor pursuit program that assists them in reaching their potential. It allows students a unique opportunity to develop new skills and self confidence while accessing vocational links into TAFE and industry.

Students visit a host of different work settings which may stimulate a chosen career path. 'The Jobs Pathway Programme' in the North allow 'taster days' in Agriculture, Hospitality, Engineering, Horticulture and Carpentry as well as ongoing career support.

Students become involved in emergency services training such as the C.F.A., and take part in projects which benefit the larger community such as the Collingwood Children's Farm.

• To guide young people to make positive choices in their lives and set realistic goals.

• To provide meaningful learning opportunities in a challenging environment.

• To promote individual achievement and the development of self-confidence.

• To practise and develop social and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment.

• To provide opportunities to return to mainstream schooling, TAFE, apprenticeships or general employment.