Media release Friday, 19 March 2021
Bronnie Taylor
Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women
REGIONAL YOUTH TO BENEFIT FROM FREE AND SUBSIDISED APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Young people living in communities hit hardest by the impacts of COVID-19 border closures, bush fires and still impacted by drought will be able to enjoy a range of activities during the April school holidays, thanks to funding from the NSW Government.
Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor today announced the Easter Break program, which builds on the success of other Holiday Break initiatives and will again provide regional youth with opportunities to socialise, learn new skills and engage with their communities during the school holidays.
Mrs Taylor said the Easter Break program will give young people across the state the chance to participate in sports and recreation camps, skills initiatives and 'BBQ and Beats' events.
"The resilience of young people was tested during bush fires, drought and COVID-19, and this latest Holiday Break initiative will break down barriers to participation, providing young people with something to look forward to and a chance to really enjoy themselves," Mrs Taylor said.
Funding of up to $5,000 will be available to 51 local councils to cover the cost of running further youth events or extending youth services over the upcoming school holidays, with events to run from 1 April to 18 April 2021.
"The Summer Break initiative saw some fantastic events and activities held across multiple regional and rural areas, enabling over 222 young people to participate in sports camps, hundreds more to attend 'BBQ and Beats' events, and receive outreach services in the Bourke community alone," Mrs Taylor said.
"We're building a safer, stronger regional NSW, and on the back of this success, I'm thrilled to confirm further funding to bring back this brilliant initiative that will give regional youth in hard-hit communities a fair opportunity to participate in and enjoy activities during the upcoming holidays."
Activities in the Easter Break initiative include six Sport and Recreation camps, free transport, BBQ and Beats events in 10 locations and the opportunity for councils to access free and subsidised training to learn valuable skills for in-demand jobs.
Visit www.nsw.gov.au/AprilHolidayBreak for activities and guidelines.
