Regional councils and eligible not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver events and activities for young people during the upcoming Spring school holidays under the Holiday Break program.
Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said applications are now open for the popular program, which has funded everything from science exhibitions and song writing classes to virtual reality tournaments and surfing clinics for young people in the regions.
"That's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the type of opportunities that the Holiday Break program provides to keep young people entertained and engaged during the school holidays," Ms Jackson said.
"We know how expensive it can be for parents and carers to find things to do during school breaks so it's important that the events and activities on offer are free to help ease some of that financial pressure for regional families."
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said young people in regional NSW often face financial and geographical barriers that impact their ability to access recreational and social activities within their local communities.
"The program provides young people across regional NSW with wonderful opportunities to connect, have fun and learn new skills during the school holidays. I am pleased to see the program supporting young people and our vibrant regional communities."
Funding of up to $8,000 will be available to 93 regional councils and eligible not-for-profit organisations to cover the cost of running youth events from Saturday 23 September to Sunday 8 October 2023.
The funding can be used to support a wide range of activities including youth concerts and music events, dances and discos, sport and recreational activities, and art and theatre workshops.
The NSW Government also has a growing base of program partners including Rugby NSW, KYUP!, Create NSW, One Giant Leap Foundation, and the NSW Office of Sport, who have hosted activities such as self-defence workshops, song writing classes, holiday camps and an aerospace academy.
The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors is another program partner that provides young people from a refugee background with access to free holiday activities.
Community Services Coordinator Jasmina Bajraktarevic-Hayward said it's a chance for young people who are often processing traumatic settlement journeys to try new sport and recreational activities, show their creativity and develop friendships.
"The program plays an important role in helping young people from a refugee background get to know their community and environment, make new friends and engage in activities that have profound therapeutic impacts through creation of safety, connections and mastery," Ms Bajraktarevic-Hayward said.
Funding applications are open now until 5pm Sunday 13 August 2023, or when funds are exhausted.
To find out more and for program guidelines, visit www.nsw.gov.au/holidaybreak.
