Both programs are funded by the state government and were organised by the state’s Office of Youth.
The Engage funding is $180,000 and “will be put towards enhancing youth participation and engagement, youth development and youth celebration in the local area.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Chrissy Weller said Engage funding would go towards programs that would offer skill-building opportunities.
There will be a “particular focus on leadership roles, training, public speaking, event marketing, planning and management.”
The FReeZA funding, which totals $53,250, will go towards initiatives that encourage young Victorians to plan and run drug, alcohol and smoke-free events for other youths within the community.
“This funding will be used to organise cultural, recreational, and artistic events, located in supervised and safe venues,” Cr Weller said.
Campaspe Shire’s 2022 Young Citizen of the Year and Campaspe Youth Advisory Group member Dimity Pearson is elated with the announcement of the new funding opportunities.
“The entire Youth Advisory Group are excited to finally be able to put some action into our words, plans and hopes. The Engage funding will give us the opportunity to create one of our initiatives, ‘Youth Action Plan 2022-2024’.
“During the past two years, although we didn’t have the ability to organise and create events physically, we had plenty of time to think and imagine what we could do to better our community for young people in the years to come,” Ms Pearson said.
“This is a fantastic outcome for our young people,” Cr Weller said.
Both funding streams will be expended over a three-year period.
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