Young people in the Glenelg Shire will be able to get involved in putting on free local music and cultural events for the community, with the Glenelg Shire Council receiving a new grant under the Andrews Labor Government’s 2016-18 FReeZA program.
Glenelg Shire Council 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.
The Glenelg Youth FReeZA program will deliver at least 15 events as determined by the committee members across the Glenelg Shire, including Portland, Heywood and Casterton over a 3 year period.
The program will give young people access to inclusive training and skills development sessions and provides valuable experience in the music industry, the arts and event management by partnering with major community events, such as the Upwelling Festival and The Set List program.
The Glenelg Youth FReeZA program also enables students completing the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) to enhance their skills in community participation.
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 the Glenelg Shire 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.