Premier

A Brighter Future For Great South Coast Youth

21 June 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is boosting funding for the Beyond the Bell program, to keep young people in the Great South Coast region in school and engaged in their education.

Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford announced today in Parliament that the Labor Government will provide more than $1 million over the next three years for operational costs of the program.

The funding boost is a direct result of priorities raised through the Great South Coast Regional Partnership last year, and provides certainty for the Beyond the Bell to sustain its important work.

Beyond the Bell is an initiative that seeks to lead a cultural shift in the way regional communities and service providers work to support young people in the Great South Coast region of Victoria.

It aims to improve young peoples’ chances of attaining Year 12 or equivalent and help them transition successfully into the next phase of their lives.

The Great South Coast Regional Partnership advocated for continued funding of Beyond the Bell and the Labor Government has listened and delivered for the community.

The Great South Coast Regional Partnership is working with the local community to shape a positive future for the region.

The Regional Partnership model gives regional Victorians a clearer path to Government decision making and a stronger voice in government by ensuring all ministerial portfolios are addressing rural and regional issues.

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“This is a perfect example of how our Regional Partnerships operate. The community in the Great South Coast wanted quality education and training and that’s what we will deliver.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

“We’re making sure every Victorian has access to quality education and training and Beyond the Bell plays an important role in achieving that in the South-West.”

Quote attributable to the Chair of the Great South Coast Regional Partnership Emily Lee-Ack

“The Partnership told us that securing the ongoing future of the Beyond the Bell program was a major priority for our region, that’s what we told the Victorian Government, and the government has acted.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria James Purcell

"The Beyond the Bell initiative is a critical step towards improving our Year 12 attainment rates and is worthy of ongoing support.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?