Young people in Surf Coast Shire will have more opportunities to actively participate in and connect with their local community, through the Andrew Labor Government’s Engage! 2018-20 program.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced Surf Coast Shire Council will receive an Engage! 2018-20 grant of $140,000 over three years for their Engaged in the Surf Coast program.
The funding will be used to support the activation and delivery of programs within Surf Coast Shire Council’s two new youth spaces. One space – Surf Coast Youth Pod – is mobile and will be transportable to rural communities, providing services and resources to Youth that currently have limited to no access due to a lack of infrastructure and rural isolation. The second youth space is within a permanent community hub that’s primary focus is intergenerational access to education, allied health services and community engagement across generations.
Surf Coast Shire Council will join 107 local government and community organisations across the state to share in the $12.3 million Engage! 2018-20 program.
Engage! helps young people to strengthen their education, training and employment pathways, and improve their health and wellbeing.
Young people are a key part of developing and delivering Engage! projects, which are aimed at a diversity of youth, including Aboriginal young people, young people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI young people, young people with disabilities and young people living in rural and regional Victoria.
Engage! supports the Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to better connect young people with their communities, as outlined in the Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement.
The Youth Policy also supports young people to have their say and participate in decision-making on government policy and practices.
For more information, please visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“Every young person should have the opportunity and support they need to reach their full potential.”
“Engage! is helping young people of different backgrounds and experiences get involved in a range of activities so they can achieve their goals and kick goals for the community.”
“I look forward to seeing more local young people participating in Engage! programs, building their skills and connecting with our vibrant community.”
“These projects gives them the hands-on experiences they need to achieve their personal and professional goals and I encourage more young people to get involved.”