Northside is proud to deliver a range of tailored programs at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre, Canberra’s youth detention facility for young people aged 14–21. Our work at Bimberi focuses on building trusted relationships, strengthening life skills, and creating pathways for young people to connect with community and support networks whilst incarcerated and upon release.

1. Life Skills & Education Program

In partnership with Murrumbidgee School (the school that runs within Bimberi), Northside runs a rotating, term-based education program in collaboration with and external service providers to provide young people with vital knowledge and practical tools to support their wellbeing and reintegration. Topics include sexual health and consent, financial literacy, healthy relationships, peer support, and more. We seek to offer young people at Bimberi practical life skills and knowledge to empower them upon release.

2. Sports & Recreation Program

In partnership with Bimberi’s Programs Team, Northside facilitates regular sports sessions that promote teamwork, emotional regulation, and physical wellbeing. Through this we have built relationships, trust and rapport in a play based, non-clinic environment with the young people at Bimberi.

3. School Holiday Activity Programs

Aligned with the ACT Public School Holidays, Northside partners with Bimberi to provide various activities and programs during the holiday period. This is done by providing various engaging programs and activities, that often involve exposing young people to different services, youth workers, and positive community influences. These programs assist with reducing boredom, building relationships, providing exposure to more local supports, and a feeling of community connection, to those detained at Bimberi.

4. Case Management & Work

We commit to creating a wraparound approach that continues well beyond the detention setting, whether it’s help navigating Centrelink, returning to school, finding safe accommodation, or managing relationships, young people are offered consistent, compassionate support from someone in their corner. This is a one-on-one case work is tailored to individual needs and goals, often made possible through the trust built in the internal programs—such as education, sports, and school holiday activities.

Our Approach

All Northside programs at Bimberi are grounded in a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach. We believe connection is the foundation of change, so we intend to meet young people where they’re at, with empathy, consistency, and respect. Through positive shared experiences whether in a workshop, a footy game, or a one-on-one conversation, we work to build trust that can lead to lasting, meaningful support. Our intention is to walk alongside young people as they navigate life during and after detention, offering pathways to growth, resilience, and community connection. Our goal is to support some of Canberra’s most vulnerable young people to break cycles of reoffending, build a sense of self-worth, and stay connected to their community.