The Victorian Government is providing a significant funding boost for youth programs, offering more opportunities for young people to reconnect with their community as pandemic restrictions ease.
Minister for Youth Ros Spence today announced $15 million over three years for the Engage! Program, providing opportunities for skill development and leadership, and $10.2 million for creative youth-led events through FReeZA – a considerable increase on previous years.
Grant applications are open now for community organisations and local governments to deliver youth-led events and programs that harness the potential of Victorians aged 12 to 25.
The programs build on extensive consultation with young people and the youth sector across the state over the past 12 months to inform the upcoming Victorian youth strategy.
Engage! grants are available for organisations to co-design and deliver a broad range of activities with young people including mentoring, building life skills and showcasing creativity and talents.
FReeZA grants support the delivery of youth-friendly live events across the state in environments that are drug, alcohol and smoke-free.
The Government is also extending its successful partnership with youth music organisation The Push, committing almost $1.4 million over three years to ensure FReeZA events continue to meet the contemporary needs of young people and the music and creative arts industries.
To find out more about Engage and apply, visit
For more information on FReeZA, visit .
Applications close Friday, 29 October.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Ros Spence
“This funding boost will give young Victorians more opportunities to develop their skills, express themselves and create change as restrictions ease.”
“We are supporting youth organisations and local government to engage with young people and make a lasting difference within their communities.”
Quote attributable to The Push CEO Kate Duncan
“We are proud to give young people a platform to pursue their creativity and build connections, and look forward to extending our partnership with the Government.”
Reviewed 04 October 2021