Young people in Colac will be able to get involved in putting on free local music and cultural events for the community, with Colac Area Health receiving a new grant under the Andrews Labor Government’s 2016-18 FReeZA program.
Colac Area Health will receive $73,500 to run fully supervised drug, alcohol and smoke-free local events.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP welcomed the announcement, saying that while participants in the program gain valuable skills and experience, the whole community stands to benefit from great free events that are organised.
Under the grant, the Colac Otway FReeZA committee will provide 15 events for young people over the next 3 years.
All events will be affordable, inclusive, youth driven and youth focussed and include the “Battle of the Bands” and the “Barwon Skate Series”.
The Colac Otway FReeZA committee will also host workshops and provide theatrical, musical and artistic mentors for young people starting with a Beautiful Bins Project and music and art competitions that will culminate in a major cultural festival in 2018 to celebrate the talents of young people in our region.
The FReeZA program gives young people the chance to grow industry contacts, gain practical experience and develop career opportunities in the industry.
The Andrews Labor Government has provided $7.2 million over three years for the FReeZA program, including $5.4 million in grants.
FReeZA provides funding to local government and community organisations to support
young people to run fully supervised drug, alcohol and smoke-free events in their local area.
Quotes attributed to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP:
“We are proud to support the young people who organise these events in Colac to make local industry connections and explore job opportunities for the future, all while following their passions.”
“Engaging young people in helping to organise music and cultural events builds their experience and skills and benefits our community by having more great local events.”
“We are making Victoria the Education State – this means engaging our youth in activities that boost their social engagement and learning through practical experience, networking and building skills.