Community & Business
26 June, 2025
Tackling crime with creativity
A MAREEBA man who believes he can contribute to tackling the youth crime crisis has launched a fundraising campaign to establish a community-oriented music studio and youth centre and is seeking the community’s support.
Elijah Ibell has called Mareeba home for the last 18 years, and with 15 years’ experience in music production, he hopes to influence local youth to make better choices by creating a space for them to positively engage with the community.
He said by supporting his fundraising campaign, it’s a chance for the community to step up and contribute to trying to reduce youth crime.
“I believe that citizens have a certain degree of responsibility to solve problems in their community, and the biggest problem in the community right now is youth crime,” the 30-year-old said.
“So, I’m trying to approach it with care and attention because these kids that are acting out don’t receive enough of it.
“If we as a community can see that there’s a group of people that need help and need attention… we should be standing up and trying to think of solutions.”
Mr Ibell is passionate about music and believes that by giving these troubled youth a safe space to go that’s off the streets and giving them a chance to express themselves, he can guide them to develop a more positive worldview.
“Music is a form of expression, and these kids that are committing the crimes have a lack of care coming from their parental figures,” he said.
“And by being able to express their emotions through music, I’ll be able to observe that, provide feedback, and direct their thinking.
“Because there is an antagonistic relationship happening between this youth group and the system that supports them in a large way. For many of them, they’re supported by the government, but there’s still a big gap in their lives.
“I want to teach them that if they want something, they’re going to have to work for it. But also, to let them express themselves, be heard and get that attention that they deserve.”
Although the studio will be youth-focused, it will be available for anyone in the community who “wants to make music, learn an instrument, or just hang out”.
Mr Ibell said the studio will also be used to host small gatherings for the kids, such as providing food for them, and to “encourage them to get off the street and hang out in the studio if it’s late at night”.
He is seeking the community’s support to help him raise $5,000, which would allow him to secure a space in town and get the studio up-and-running.
The funds raised would be used in addition to Mr Ibell’s personal financial input, as well as other funding he expects to secure from grants and other streams.
He plans to further sustain the business with a steady cash flow by offering music and audio services and hire, classes and creative workshops, live events and venue hire, youth and community programs, and media and content creation.
How you can help
To donate, scan the QR code using your mobile phone camera or visit https://gofund.me/6419eb1d
