The Andrews Labor Government is helping celebrate inspiring and motivated young people across Victoria as part of the first ever Victorian Youth Week, after the Turnbull Government scrapped funding that it previously provided to states.
Ensuring Victoria continues to highlight the important role young people play in the community, the Labor Government is almost doubling its support for Victorian Youth Week in 2018.
Speaking at the Youth Affairs Council Victoria youth workers conference today , Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos urged community organisations and councils that work with young people to apply for grants of up to $2000 for activities during Victorian Youth Week 2018, which will run from April 13 to April 22.
The grants aim to support young people in planning and delivering events, promote a positive image of young people, and help them to express their ideas and be heard in the community.
Grants are available for events such as art exhibitions, musical performances, cultural celebrations, sporting competitions, and forums on issues of concern such as body image and mental health.
Funding will be provided to councils, community organisations or schools working in partnership with young people. Projects must be accessible to young people aged 12 to 25 in their local community and be alcohol, smoke and drug-free and be delivered within safe environments.
The Labor Government’s Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria strengthens how we engage with young people to build an even better Victoria.
More than 24,000 young people took part in National Youth Week in Victoria in 2017, with 46 grants provided to regional Victoria and 59 grants to metropolitan Melbourne.
Quotes attributable to Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos
“We want every young person to have the opportunities and support they need to reach their full potential.”
“Victorian Youth Week is the perfect time for young people to showcase their skills and talents and to be recognised for their vital contribution to their communities.”
“The Turnbull Government clearly has no interest in supporting Victoria’s young people. Our Government is investing more because we know how important young people are in helping shape our state’s future.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020