Young people in Cobram are encouraged to join a local group that will give them new skills and have a real say in where money goes to improve their community.
At the Civic Centre in Cobram today, local MP, Candy Broad joined local young people to announce that the area was the newest location for the Youth Foundations Victoria (YFV) initiative.
“The Youth Foundations model depends on the young people in each area getting behind it so I would really like to congratulate all the young people involved in this site. Your involvement is testament to your commitment and enthusiasm for your community,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad announced $184,000 in Brumby Labor Government support for YFV in Cobram and said the initiative’s local partner, the Cobram Community Enterprise is contributing $100,000.
“This funding will be managed by young people in the local community, who will allocate grants for projects run by other young people in the area.”
Launched in 2006, the YFV initiative is a partnership between the Victorian Government, the Bendigo Bank Group and local communities. The Victorian Government is contributing $4.5 million over five years to establish 15 YFV sites across the state.
Minister for Youth Affairs, James Merlino says the initiative enables young people to participate in their community and make meaningful and significant contributions that benefit the entire community, and particularly young people.
“Youth Foundations Victoria is all about enabling young people to make decisions that have a positive impact in their community. Through Youth Foundations Victoria the young people identify other local youth-led activities and youth organisations and provide grants to support their activities,” Mr Merlino said.
“This initiative will support a group of young people from different backgrounds to come together and have a look at the needs of their community so I encourage local people aged between 12 and 25 years to get involved.”
Ms Broad acknowledged the Cobram Community Enterprise and the YFV – Cobram and District Local Partnership Group for their support in the development and launch of the local YFV project.
The Local Partnership Group consists of representative from Goulburn Murray LLEN, Goulburn Valley Primary Care Partnership, UnitingCare Cutting Edge, MyZone, Cobram Community Building Initiative, Cobram Community House and FamilyCare. The Lead Agency for the Cobram and District site is Moira Shire Council.
“It is important for the community that private and public organisations work together to support their area’s development and growth – working together to not only ensure growth in the community as well as growth of future generations to develop a positive and sustainable environment for all.”
“Youth Foundations Victoria is about young people building a better community for other young people, and working towards the youth of today being the leaders of tomorrow,” Ms Broad said.
“If any other young people want to get involved, they should contact Moira Shire Council and put their hand up to make a difference.”