Local governments in rural and regional Victoria will receive grants of up to $30,000 to help young people participate in their communities and contribute to local decision-making.
Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos today announced seven local governments will receive grants under the Andrews Labor Government’s Rural and Regional Local Government Youth Engagement Program in 2015-16.
Helping develop skills in young people often disconnected from the decision-making process, the grants will also encourage peer support and provide opportunities for professional engagement to build confidence in participants.
Ms Mikakos said the grants will fund rural and regional local governments to undertake a number of initiatives, including:
- Rural City of Wangaratta, which will focus on empowering young people living with a disability to have a voice and get involved in their community through its Rural Advocacy Disability project
- Yarriambiack Shire Council’s Local Co-design Project, which will support disengaged young people to consult with their peers and plan, design and deliver community projects
- Central Goldfields Shire Council, which will support young people to take part in Youth Forums, vote on change-making projects and form working groups to deliver them
As part of the 2015-16 Victorian Budget, the Labor Government allocated $425,000 over two years for the Rural and Regional Local Government Youth Engagement Program.
For more information on the program go to
Quotes attributed to Minister for Youth Affairs, Jenny Mikakos
“Young people from rural and regional Victoria face additional challenges to community participation.”
“We are partnering with local government to amplify the voices of young people, particularly those facing disadvantage or disengagement within the community.”
“These grants will help young people find solutions for their communities and build their local networks and skills.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021