- Published:
- Wednesday, 26 August 2015
Young people living in rural and regional Victoria will have more opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their local communities thanks to a new round of Andrews Labor Government funding announced today.
Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos launched the $425,000 Rural and Regional Local Government Youth Engagement Program today while visiting The fOrT Youth Centre in Geelong.
The program will provide rural and regional councils with grants of up to $30,000 to better support young people to participate in local government and community decision-making.
This can include activities that allow young people to contribute to the way their community addresses youth issues such as youth summits and youth advisory groups.
The program will enable local government to develop strategies and practical initiatives to increase the involvement of a more diverse group of young people in community decision making.
The funding is part of the Labor Government’s $8 million commitment in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget for programs that benefit and support young people.
Applications are open until Wednesday 7 October 2015.
Visit www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/youthengagementprogram to apply or find out more.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos
“We want to give young Victorians a strong voice in our communities and a say in the future of our State.”
“Young people who feel valued and are given opportunities to participate in community life develop important skills, experience and networks in the community.”
“This program will create opportunities for a broader range of young people to get involved and shape their communities in the future and I encourage councils to submit their applications before October 7.”