The Andrews Labor Government is doing more to bolster Victoria’s scouting credentials, with funding to establish 12 new groups and encourage more participation from young culturally diverse people and those from regional areas.
Scouts Victoria will receive $1 million over four years to broaden its network, with three new scouting sites to be set up each year across metropolitan growth corridors supporting more than 50 young people.
Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos today visited the 1st Belmont Scout Group in Geelong to announce the funding, which will also see two new school-based programs hoping to attract more than 50 young culturally diverse Victorians to their groups.
Scouts Victoria will provide targeted support and expert advice for scout groups to increase participation for young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as those from regional Victoria.
The funding includes training opportunities for 40 volunteers to assist scout leaders in delivering activities, along with training opportunities in leadership development for 40 future scout leaders.
The Scouts movement has been active in Victoria for more than a century, providing thousands of youth members and adult volunteers with opportunities to gain leadership and life skills.
More than 17,000 young people and 5,000 adults are currently involved in scouting groups across Victoria.
The new funding is part of the Labor Government’s partnership with Scouts Victoria to create a new program model to improve access for young people from regional areas.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos
“Investing in scouting programs is an investment in future young leaders – this will help empower them to develop and grow in a positive environment that opens up opportunities for them down the track.”
“We’re also making it fairer for young people in regional Victoria to have access to these kinds of programs – and the chance to challenge themselves and join scouting adventures.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Chris Couzens
“Scouts is a wonderful opportunity for both young and adult members to be engaged with their communities – I’m delighted to welcome this new funding.”
“It means more empowered, experienced, educated leaders for the future.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020