Premier

Labor Government Supports Young Mums

01 April 2015

The Andrews Labor Government is helping young mums in Mildura to continue their education and have the best chance in life through a one-off grant to a local support group.

Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, announced the $70,000 grant to Zoe Support Australia today while visiting the region.

During a previous visit to Mildura, Mr Herbert met Zoe Support Australia chief executive officer Anne Webster, who outlined the organisation’s work in supporting young mothers to re-engage in education, but warned that the organisation was in serious financial difficulty.

Given the consequences of immediate closure for young people accessing the service, the Labor Government has provided Zoe Support Australia with a grant of $70,000 for essential service delivery operating costs and to develop a business plan.

Zoe Support Australia is a not for profit, community based organisation in Mildura which opened in April 2013. It aims to assist young mums to complete secondary and tertiary studies while encouraging parenting skills and early childhood education.

Since 2013, the organisation has supported 50 teenage mums, with 15 mums transitioning to independent status.

In 2015 there are 35 mums with 30 pre-kinder children and five mums who are currently expecting. Sixteen are currently enrolled in education.

30 per cent of the young mums or their children are Indigenous or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert

“We are supporting Zoe Support Australia with this grant, to ensure they can continue to help young mums in the region carry on with their education, giving them the best chance at life.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is working to make sure everyone in our community can engage in training and education, regardless of their age, gender or life situation.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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