MEDIA RELEASE

June 1 2006

New Youth Foundations give young people real opportunities

The Youth Affairs Council of Victoria strongly supports the State Government’s initiative to introduce 15 local Youth Foundations in disadvantaged areas across the State. The $4.5 million initiative was announced as part of the Government’s A Fairer Victoria next steps package today.

The Youth Foundations will bring together young people from a range of backgrounds, adult mentors, community agencies and business supporters to work together to select and implement activities that will be of benefit to the community. The program will provide young people with experience in the management of funds and decision-making about grants.

“The Youth Affairs Council sees this initiative as the next real step in youth participation, giving young people resources to make decisions in their communities is an empowering model and an innovative initiative from Government” Georgie Ferrari, YACVic Executive Officer said.

‘Everyone in the community stands to benefit from the Youth Foundations, which will bring young people’s perspectives to community development activities’ said Ms Ferrari.

This announcement comes on the back of several other positive announcements for young people in the 2006-07 State Budget and rounds off an excellent week for young Victorians in terms of State Government investment

For media contact

Georgie Ferrari
Executive Officer
Youth Affairs Council of Victoria
Ph: 9267 3711 or 0411 484 428