CONNECTING YOUNG ABORIGINALS IN SOUTH WEST VICTORIA TO CULTURE
The Andrews Labor Government is giving Aboriginal young people in South West Victoria more opportunities to strengthen their connections to culture through community-led mentorship programs.
As part of $1.75 million in the Victorian Budget 2017/18 to support the Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program, new mentoring programs will be delivered in three additional locations across the state.
Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation will support Aboriginal young people in South-Western Victoria to gain a greater understanding of their culture and identity and to help increase their self-esteem and resilience.
Further funding has also been provided for the next two years to continue the work of Wayapa Wuurrk’s successful Warran Warran Maar mentoring program in Wyndham, and Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative’s mentoring program for Aboriginal girls in in Shepparton.
The Koorie Youth Council will continue to help Aboriginal organisations to engage Aboriginal young people in the design and delivery of the new mentoring programs.
Youth Affairs Council of Victoria will also provide advice and support to ensure the programs meet the Australian National Mentoring Benchmarks.
Aboriginal youth mentoring programs aim to help Aboriginal young people reach their leadership potential, learn about culture and identity, and explore education, training and employment opportunities.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“This is about giving young Aboriginal people in South West Victoria the tools they need to build networks, set themselves up for the future, and reach their full potential.”
“The mentoring programs have a strong emphasis on connection to culture and community, which we know results in better outcomes for young Aboriginal people.”