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Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic), is proud to deliver $101,000 through Round 16 of the Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) Grants to 12 projects across metro Melbourne and regional Victoria, ensuring LGBTIQA+ young people are supported and celebrated.
Now in its 16th year, the HEY Grants program has invested more than $1.8 million to 170 projects designed by and for LGBTIQA+ young people, helping to build stronger, more inclusive communities across the state.
"This year’s recipients show the passion and creativity of LGBTIQA+ young people in creating safer, affirming, positive spaces and connections for their peers. Too many LGBTIQA+ young people still face barriers to accessing support where they live. Round 16 projects help close that gap by creating spaces where LGBTIQA+ young people feel welcome, see themselves reflected, and know they belong."
– Derm Ryan, Head of YACVic Rural
This year, four HEY grants have been awarded to youth-led projects. These projects highlight the importance of amplifying the diverse voices of all LGBTIQA+ young people on the issues which impact them and their communities and provide meaningful opportunities for their peers in leadership and decision-making.
As part of their funded projects, LGBTIQA+ young people and their communities will deliver inclusive events, co-designed animations, videos, trainings and creative workshops. Each initiative reinforces the power of visibility, community education and social inclusion in creating positive environments for LGBTIQA+ young people to thrive and demonstrate the capacity of youth-led programs to create change.
"HEY Grants give young people and community organisations the opportunity to tackle the systemic barriers affecting LGBTIQA+ young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Investing in LGBTIQA+ young people is an investment in stronger, kinder communities for all of us," said Mr Ryan.
The successful Round 16 HEY Grant recipients are:
Youth Led Category
- Queer Joy, AMPLIFY Wonthaggi (Bass Coast) - $10,000
- Queering, The Intersection (Statewide) - $10,000
- A Fairy Godmother's Guide to Name Change in Victoria, Caleb and Charlotte (Melbourne) - $8,715
- Double Dare Ya Zine Club, Jacinta and Olly (Yarra Ranges) - $7,975
Social Connectedness
- Wodonga TAFE Pride Bonanza, Wodonga Institute of TAFE - $8,000
- Worldbuilders: Queer Cosplay and Creature Creation, Arena Theatre Company - $10,000
- Transforming the Narrative, Moonee Valley City Council - $5,000
- Positive Resources for Youth that are co-Designed and Engaging- (PRYDE videos), The Royal Children's Hospital - $6,600
- All Welcome?, Our Point 3 Inc. - $10,000
- Darebin Youth Queer Planning Committee, Darebin City Council - $5,500
- Hey Let's Celebrate, Different Journeys - $9,975
- Let’s Talk Queer Relationships, FVREE - $10,000
Join us for the announcement of the Round 16 HEY Grant recipients at 'HEY Day: Girls, ghouls and gays', on Friday 30 October!
Media contact: Emma Do (she/her), YACVic Media & Communications Coordinator – EDo@YACVic.org.au or 0498 730 553.
About Healthy Equal Youth (HEY)
Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) is a partnership between Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) and the Victorian Government established to deliver place-based support, services and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ young people.
HEY works by bringing together a network of 16 partner organisations, known as the HEY Partners, who provide peer support, referrals, community visibility, celebration and education in their local areas and across the state.
About Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic)
Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) is the peak body and leading policy advocate for young people aged 12-25 and the youth sector in Victoria. Established in 1960, YACVic advocates for the rights of young people in Victoria to ensure they are active, visible and valued in their communities.