MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday 7th May 2002

State budget: the Government has listened to young people

Janet Jukes, Executive Officer of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, has welcomed the Government’s commitment to the FReeZa program. FReeZA has received $8 million over 4 years, announced in today’s state budget.

‘The Government has secured FReeZa’s future by making the program’s funding ongoing and by restoring funding to last year’s $2 million levels’, Ms Jukes said. ‘This is particularly good news for young people in rural and regional Victoria who have limited access to social and cultural events’.

FReeZa is a program that provides small grants for local communities of young people to plan and implement all ages, drug & alcohol free events that feature live bands and dance parties across Victoria.

‘Twelve months ago, the Government announced a $1 million budget shortfall for the program and last November further funding cuts were made. These cuts significantly affected the future viability of the program’, said Ms Jukes.

‘Over the last year, young people across Victoria have voiced their disappointment about these cuts and have made it clear just how important FReeZa is to them. This budget announcement shows that the Minister for Youth Affairs, Monica Gould, has listened to young people’, Ms Jukes said.

‘The Government has recognised that the importance of FReeZa goes beyond the event’ said Ms Jukes. ‘By involving young people in the organisation of events through FReeZa committees, young people are able to develop their management skills and confidence. It also helps develop partnerships in local communities and gives young people a greater sense of connectedness’.
The Youth Affairs Council of Victoria is the peak body and leading policy advocate for youth issues in Victoria. We have a membership of around 500 organisations and individuals.

Further media comment
Janet Jukes, Executive Officer 0411 484 428 or
Lise Della Torre, Young Media Spokesperson 0402 822 488