Young people in Swan Hill will share in more than $160,000 in Brumby Labor Government grants to celebrate National Youth Week, Member for Northern Victoria, Candy Broad said today.
Ms Broad said Swan Hill Rural City Council’s Swan Hill Youth Week Freestyle Skate and BMX Competition would receive $2,000 to provide young people with the chance to put their talents on display for their friends, family and other young people from 10-18 April.
“National Youth Week is the biggest celebration of young people in Australia and is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of young people right here in Swan Hill” Ms Broad said.
“This year’s National Youth Week runs from 10 – 18 April and provides an opportunity for young people to celebrate and be acknowledged for their contributions to their community.
The competition will provide an opportunity for local youth and visiting competitors to showcase their skating and BMX talents amongst the local community. This will include instructional sessions for junior and beginner skaters as well as having professional BMX riders to judge the competition and offer advice and tips.
National Youth Week grants have been made available through a partnership between the Victorian and Australian Governments and Beyondblue: the national depression initiative.
The NYW 2010 grants have been awarded in three categories with up to $2000 for local community events, up to $5000 for partnership events and up to $2000 for events with a specific focus on mental health and wellbeing funded through Beyondblue.
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government funding will contribute to making National Youth Week the biggest celebration of young people in Australia.
“The theme for National Youth Week 2010 is ‘live it now’ and these communities are supporting young people to do exactly that – celebrating their skills, talents and contributions now,” Ms Broad said.
“Events all across Victoria will have something for every taste, talent and interest, varying from Youth Festivals to theatre productions and community forums.”
This marks the fourth year the Brumby Labor Government has partnered with Beyondblue: the national depression initiative to provide funding to enable local communities to develop and participate in youth-led celebrations and events.
Beyondblue CEO, Leonie Young said she was pleased Beyondblue is partnering with the Victorian Government to support young people.
“National Youth Week is a great opportunity for young people to get together, have fun and find out where help is available in their communities,” Ms Young said.
“Beyondblue is pleased to again support the celebrations because it has a focus on activities that improve the self-esteem, resilience and well-being of young people within their communities year round.”
For more information go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au or the National website www.youthweek.com. For information about depression, anxiety and related disorders, visit www.youthbeyondblue.com or call the Beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636.