Attorney General, Simon Corbell, has commended the combined efforts of ACT Policing, park rangers and the government's restorative justice unit who have given seven young people the opportunity to take responsibility for their vandalism which caused extensive damage to two south side recreational areas.

"In July 2011, seven young people used hand tools and a chainsaw to cut down trees and damage park furniture at Kambah Pool and Tharwa Sandwash," said Mr Corbell.  

"After a tip-off from a member of the public, police were led to the young offenders who were then referred to the government's youth rehabilitation program within the Restorative Justice Unit.

"The offenders, their parents and ACT rangers were given an opportunity to discuss the implications of the vandalism through the restorative justice program and as result offered to assemble new picnic tables, collect rubbish and plant new trees.

"They apologised to the ACT Parks and Conservation Service and made a financial donation to the National Parks Association.

"The seven young people heard first-hand from rangers and the damage their vandalism had caused and how their actions directly affected staff, people who use park facilities and costs to the wider community."

Mr Corbell said the ACT Labor Government has placed a strong focus on restorative justice to break the cycle of crime.

"By helping people learn what they have done wrong and how it affects others, we can more effectively engage young people to address their offending behaviour and prevent instances of re-offence," he said.

"Instead of sending kids to jail, this is an education-based program that aims to create attitude and behaviour change and target the recidivism that is too often associated with crime.

"In this case, the young people accepted the severity of their actions and were willing to be fully accountable through an apology and made a financial donation to the park. They also undertook voluntary work with the rangers."

The restorative justice unit has been in operation since 2005 and has worked on 1220 referrals involving 2900 offences, 1500 young offenders and 2170 victims.