Thursday, 19 October 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is helping celebrate inspiring and motivated young people in Gippsland as part of the first ever Victorian Youth Week, after the Turnbull Government scrapped funding that it previously provided to states.

Ensuring Victoria continues to highlight the important role young people play in the community, the Labor Government is almost doubling its support for Victorian Youth Week in 2018.

The Government is providing $200,000 to support community organisations and councils to engage young people through events and activities at Victorian Youth Week 2018, from 13 until 22 April.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing, encouraged organisations across the region to apply for the grants of up to $2000, and to include young people in planning and delivering Victorian Youth Week activities.

The grants aim to support young people in planning and delivering events, promote a positive image of young people, and help them to express their ideas and be heard in the community.

Grants are available for events such as art exhibitions, musical performances, cultural celebrations, sporting competitions, and forums on issues of concern such as body image and mental health.

Funding will be provided to councils, community organisations or schools working in partnership with young people. Projects must be accessible to young people aged 12 to 25 in their local community and be alcohol, smoke and drug-free and be delivered within safe environments.

The Labor Government’s Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria strengthens how we engage with young people to build an even better Victoria.

More than 24,000 young people took part in National Youth Week in Victoria in 2017, with 46 grants provided to regional Victoria and 59 grants to metropolitan Melbourne.

For more information go to Youth Central Website

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“I encourage our community to take this opportunity to get on board and celebrate our young people at the first Victorian Youth Week.”

“Victorian Youth Week gives young people a chance to express themselves and make their voices heard, and I am sure it will be a terrific event in Gippsland.”

“Our Government is investing in Gippsland’s young people because we know how important they are in helping shape our community’s future.”