Dismantle and its social enterprise, ReNew Property Maintenance, have been nationally recognised at the 2025 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA) for its innovative approach to supporting young people through employment, mentoring and skill development.
The ACVPA celebrates programs across Australia that reduce crime and violence by addressing the root causes of offending and promoting safer, more inclusive communities. This year, Dismantle was recognised for its impact in creating pathways for young people who have experienced complex barriers to employment, helping them build confidence, purpose and brighter futures.
At the heart of Dismantle’s approach are two key programs:
BikeRescue, an early intervention and engagement program where young people rebuild bikes and, in the process, their confidence, teamwork and sense of purpose.
ReNew Property Maintenance, a social enterprise that provides award-wage jobs in landscaping and maintenance for young people facing barriers to employment.
“Crime prevention isn’t necessarily our core mission, but it is one of the most powerful outcomes of restoring purpose and dignity to a young person’s life,” said Dismantle CEO, Pat Ryan. “When they feel valued, supported and believed in, the despair that drives bad decisions starts to disappear. We’re honoured to be recognised for an approach that reinforces prevention as the best mechanism for systems change.”
Since 2019, ReNew Property Maintenance has employed more than 130 young people across Perth, paying over $1.5 million in youth wages through trade-generated revenue. On average, participants work with ReNew for around eight months while receiving one-on-one support through Dismantle’s JobReadii program, helping them transition into ongoing employment, training or education.
Australian Institute of Criminology Deputy Director, Dr Rick Brown, said: “The outcomes of ReNew include creating over 130 jobs for at-risk young people since 2019, 74% of whom never had a job before. This is a great project achieving real results and giving purpose to those who may not otherwise have it.”
Dismantle’s model of “prevention through opportunity” has demonstrated real outcomes, with over 70% of its youth employees successfully transitioning into further employment or study. Many return to mentor others entering the program, showing that change creates a ripple effect that strengthens communities long-term.
“Behind every statistic is a young person who’s rebuilt their sense of self and proven that, with the right support, they can thrive,” added Ryan. “This recognition belongs to them, and to our team, partners and community who make it possible.”
The Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards are presented annually by the Australian Institute of Criminology on behalf of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.