Ballarat young people are getting more opportunities to participate in mentorships, art programs and other activities, through the Andrews Labor Government’s Engage! grants program.
Four Ballarat-based organisations will share in $435,000 from the latest 2018-20 round of grants, which aim to empower and engage young people, including vulnerable youth, young people with a disability and Aboriginal young people.
More than $12.3 million will be provided to 107 local governments and community organisations over the next three years, supporting local projects that help young people to actively participate in and connect with their local community.
Local funding recipients are:
- $110,000 for Arts Access Victoria to run Nexus – a program designed for those aged 16 to 25 with a disability, young deaf people and those with experience of mental illness who want to engage in the arts
- $100,000 to run Yeramun Toort-baram – an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander empowerment program designed to enhance young people’s connection to community, development of life skills and cultural identity
- $125,000 for the City of Ballarat to run UMM: IN ACTION! – a program for young people to be actively engaged, valued and respected citizens, realising their potential and contributing to the community
- $100,000 to run the Big Brothers Big Sisters – Engage! Ballarat program to facilitate meaningful mentoring relationships for vulnerable young people aged seven to 17, who are identified as at risk
Young people help to develop and deliver Engage! projects, strengthening their education, training and employment pathways, as well as boosting their health and wellbeing.
Engage! supports the Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to better connect young people with their communities, as outlined in the Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement.
For more information and the list of successful recipients, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos
“We’re supporting local programs for local young people in Ballarat, because every young person should be given opportunities to reach their full potential.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“It’s great to see the Engage! program support more young people to connect with their communities and make a difference.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“I look forward to seeing more young people in Ballarat participate in Engage! programs, building their skills and connecting with our vibrant community.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020