Member for Western Victoria, Gayle tierney is encouraging community-based organisations working with local young people to apply for new funding to help promote positive body image.
Ms Tierney said the Brumby Government was taking the lead on promoting healthy body image and working to reduce the effect of unrealistic and unhealthy images in the media on young people.
“The Positive Body Image Small Grants programs offers $5,000 directly to community organisations to undertake and promote positive body image activities to young people, with a particular focus on those aged 12-16 years,” Ms Tierney said.
“This grants program has already led to some fantastic success stories all over the State, so I urge local organisations working in partnership with young people to apply.
“Young Victorians have said that they are concerned about body image and the Brumby Government’s positive body image strategy is addressing this.”
Minister for Youth Affairs, James Merlino, said last year’s grant recipients had conducted an incredible and varied range of activities in 2007.
“With a focus on healthy eating, physical activity and self esteem, the first year of the ‘Go for your life’ Positive Body Image program has really made a difference,” Mr Merlino said.
“We’re really proud that Victoria is leading the way on promoting positive body image for young people and we are responding with a range of initiatives to tackle these issues, which can have devastating effects on the lives of young Victorians.”
The grants are part of the Brumby Government’s $2.1 million Teenagers ‘Go for your life’ – Positive Body Image Strategy.
For more information or to apply for grants, please visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au.