Premier

Investing In Victoria’s Young Koorie Leaders

13 June 2018

Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians will be encouraged to become the leaders of tomorrow through a series of new and free training workshops.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $100,000 to set up the workshops, which will be delivered across Victoria and run by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos made the announcement while attending the first day of the fifth annual Koorie Youth Summit – Victoria’s largest gathering created for and by Koorie young people.

The workshops will provide a tailored introduction to governance, with participants gaining practical skills and knowledge to help them contribute to Aboriginal community led decision-making – a key recommendation voiced at the past four summits.

The Koorie Youth Summit is an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 18 to 28 to gather together, connect with one another, celebrate culture and discuss what is important to them.

Themed ‘Connect, Create, Celebrate’, this year’s summit is run by the Koorie Youth Council which plays an important role in creating meaningful and culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal young people. The summit runs from 13 to 14 June.

Approximately 60 per cent of the Aboriginal Victorian population are aged 28 years or younger.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 has committed $116 million to support self-determination, celebrate culture and improve the lives of Aboriginal Victorians across the state.

The Labor Government recently allocated $70,000 to ensure the continuation of the Koorie Youth Summit, created by, and for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Expressions of interest for the youth-led, accredited workshop series are set to open in July 2018, and will be available at koorieyouthsummit.com.auExternal Link and vaccho.org.auExternal Link .

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos

“Leaders aren’t born, they are made – and we want to empower and encourage our next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.”

“I’m so pleased to be able to support these workshops – and the fifth Koorie Youth Summit which is part of our commitment to promoting cultural identify. Because we know that when Aboriginal Victorians are strongly connected to their culture and each other, they have better life outcomes.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“Young people account for nearly 60 per cent of the Aboriginal Victorian population – they deserve programs that give them greater opportunity to be heard, develop essential skills and influence the community.”

“Aboriginal communities have more than 60,000 years of history and community – their leadership and their voices are vital to the future of our state and nation.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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