Premier

Threading A Bright Future For Young Victorians

12 August 2022

An inspirational new community-led sewing program will help young people to thrive and build better connections in Melbourne’s west - with support from the Andrews Labor Government.

The Youth Artistic Sewing and Creative Arts Workshops in Sunshine will bring together children and young people who may be at risk of disengagement, isolation, or experiencing impacts to their health and wellbeing arising from the pandemic.

Up to 400 participants will be supported through the workshops, which are aimed at children and young people between the ages of eight and 16 from multicultural backgrounds - to build new skills in professional clothing designs, such as pattern-making, sewing techniques, tie-dye batik and fabric painting.

Participants will learn to develop and present design concepts, sew prototypes and construct garments.

They will also be supported to develop connections to their community, as well as with family and peers and create future pathways to further education and employment.

The Labor Government is providing $49,000 towards the project, with project provider Kontiki Cultural Women Empowerment providing more than $38,000 of in-kind support.

The organisation was one of 15 to share in more than $743,000 under round one of the Youth Engagement Grants.

The grants provide small multicultural and Aboriginal organisations up to $50,000 each over two years to deliver activities to children and young people to support them to connect to their community, family, friends and culture.

The community organisation teaches professional clothing design and builds the capacity of participants of all ages from refugee and migrant backgrounds to learn new skills and become socially connected.

Kontiki Cultural Women Empowerment has also won numerous community awards and is a regular participant in the Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Round two Youth Engagement Grants are now open and organisations can apply by submitting a project proposal before applications close on August 17. They are part of the Building Safer Communities Program, a key initiative under the Crime Prevention Strategy which helps promote community safety and prevent crime in Victoria.

Since 2015, the Government has invested more than $90 million in crime prevention programs and supported over 910 projects to increase safety and community confidence in public places across Victoria.

For more information about how to apply visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/youthengagementgrantsExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Anthony Carbines

“Kontiki Cultural Women Empowerment’s workshops are a great example of innovative ways to help bring young people together and provide them with the skills and support they need to live rich, successful lives.”

“Youth Engagement Grants help build the capability of small, grassroots organisations so they can reach more children and young people - and I encourage all eligible organisations to apply for funding under Round Two.”

Reviewed 12 August 2022

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