New FreeZA Grants Supporting Young Victorians

The Andrews Labor Government has today announced the successful FReeZA grant recipients as part of its $7.2 million FReeZA program over three years.

Around 80 local government and community organisations across Victoria will share in $5.4 million worth of grants to support local young people to put on smoke, alcohol and drug-free events.

Victorian communities will benefit from hundreds of local arts and music events put on by young people to help develop experience and skills, make local connections and access employment opportunities.

This includes grants to organisations representing diverse communities across Victoria, such as:

• Queenscliff Music Festival's FOOT-in-the-DOOR program which provides training and performance opportunities to local young people and forms part of the Queenscliff Music Festival
• Brimbank City Council which will support local young people to deliver events that showcase its creative and culturally diverse community
• Colac Area Health which will host inclusive events like the Battle of the Bands and Barwon Skate Series, as well as hosting workshops and providing theatrical, musical and artistic mentors for young people

Each year more than 130,000 young people from all over Victoria attend over 400 FReeZA events.

Information, training and advice are provided to organisations and young people taking part in the program through a series of workshops being run across the State.

The FReeZA program provides inclusive local opportunities for young Victorians to socialise and get involved in their communities by putting on local arts, music and cultural events.

To find out more about the FReeZA program, go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/freeza

Quotes attributed to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos

“The FReeZA program funds opportunities for young people to socialise and have fun, while gaining valuable experience and skills organising free local youth events.”

“We are making Victoria the Education State – this means engaging our youth in activities that boost their social engagement and learning through practical experience, networking and building skills.”

“We are proud to provide $7.2 million towards the 2016-18 FReeZA program – Victorian communities will be treated to hundreds of local music and cultural events produced by young local talent.”