The Andrews Labor Government has announced a dedicated regional youth hub will be established to support local young people in Warrnambool and surrounding rural areas.
The Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) will set up the new site to help strengthen the capacity of local youth services, and identify new ways for youth to participate in the community and access important services.
Labor Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said $962,000 will be provided over two years for this site and another in Swan Hill.
Warrnambool has a vibrant network of young people and youth organisations, but also faces a range of challenges including drug and alcohol abuse, high teenage pregnancy rates and low numbers of students completing Year 12.
Youth service organisations provide significant support to young people but can face their own challenges due to long distances and the number of young people they support.
YACVic’s program in will include a mix of activities with a focus on capacity building through training and engagement programs, collaboration, information sharing and advocacy.
The new regional hub will be funded as part of the Labor Government’s $8 million fund announced in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget to target youth participation and engagement in Victorian communities.
YACVic is the peak body for the youth sector, providing policy advice, advocacy and coordination on behalf of the youth sector and young people in Victoria.
For more information on YACVic go to www.yacvic.org.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Young people in Warrnambool and surrounding rural areas can face unique challenges – this is an opportunity to help improve their access to education, job opportunities and important support services.”
“We are supporting youth in our area to get the support they need regardless of background, location or circumstance.”