Young people in Werribee district will have more opportunities to actively participate in and connect with their local community, through the Andrews Labor Government’s Engage! 2018-20 program.

Three local organisations received Engage! 2018-20 grants totalling $320,000 for projects that will support young people aged between 12 and 25.

• Western Edge Youth Arts received $100,000 to deliver three youth-led community theatre programs targeting culturally and linguistically diverse youth across Melbourne’s western suburbs.
• Wyndham City Council received $120,000 to provide youth-designed opportunities in leadership, volunteering, skill building and community engagement.
• Wyndham Community and Education Centre received $100,000 for the SmArt Collective initiative, to develop after-school programs including a creative writing magazine, a homework club and an annual youth camp.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas said they will join 107 local government and community organisations across the state to share in the $12.3 million Engage! 2018-20 program.

Engage! helps young people to strengthen their education, training and employment pathways, and improve their health and wellbeing.

Young people are a key part of developing and delivering Engage! projects, which are aimed at a diversity of youth, including Aboriginal young people, young people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI young people, young people with disabilities and young people living in rural and regional Victoria.

Engage! supports the Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to better connect young people with their communities, as outlined in the Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement.

The Youth Policy also supports young people to have their say and participate in decision-making on government policy and practices.

For more information, please visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos

“Every young person should have the opportunity and support they need to reach their full potential.”

“Engage!  is helping young people of different backgrounds and experiences get involved in a range of activities so they can achieve their goals and kick goals for the community.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“I look forward to seeing more local young people participating in Engage! programs, building their skills and connecting with our vibrant community.”

“These projects give young people the hands-on experiences they need to achieve their personal and professional goals and I encourage more young people to get involved.”