A program that provides greater opportunities for young Victorians to volunteer in their local communities will again be rolled out to schools in Greater Bendigo in 2010.
Youth Affairs Minister James Merlino visited Eaglehawk Secondary College today for the Brumby Labor Government’s Bendigo Region Community Cabinet to see how students would deliver volunteering projects as part of the $4.5 million Advance program.
“Volunteers are the backbone of Victorian communities – they work tirelessly for others in their local area, but they are often the unsung heroes of our communities,” Mr Merlino said.
“The Advance program promotes young Victorian’s involvement in volunteering and youth-led projects and provides them with the opportunity to develop respect for themselves and others.
“More than 56,000 students have taken part since 2004 – volunteering in healthcare, training local sports clubs, planting trees, life saving and much more.”
Mr Merlino said Victorian Government Schools can apply for funding of up to $10,000 to deliver the projects in their communities that enable young people to develop an awareness and genuine concern for people in their communities and learn valuable skills for their future.
Mr Merlino said 12 schools in the Bendigo region would share in $130,000 funding, including:
- Bendigo Senior Secondary College;
- Bendigo South East Secondary College;
- Bendigo Special Developmental School;
- Crusoe Secondary College;
- Eaglehawk Secondary College;
- Kalianna Special School;
- Weeroona College;
- Boort Secondary College;
- East Loddon College;
- Pyramid Hill College;
- Wedderburn College; and
- Castlemaine Secondary College.
“Bendigo schools and students have the opportunity to make a real difference in our area and form strong partnerships with a diverse range of community organisations,” Mr Merlino said.
“Young people throughout Bendigo can enjoy the personal satisfaction of getting active in their local communities and at the same time develop the life skills they need.”
Mr Merlino said more than 14,000 students from 400 Government schools will take part in more than 1800 partnerships with local community groups as part of the Advance program in 2010.
For more information, please go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au or www.volunteer.vic.gov.au