The Victorian Government is supporting activities for Aboriginal young people that strengthen their connection to community and culture as the state recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
Minister for Youth Ros Spence today announced six Aboriginal-led organisations will receive funding from the Government's $250,000 Aboriginal Youth Engagement Grants.
The grants support initiatives that boost social and emotional wellbeing, nurture talent and leadership, strengthen identity and culture and create pathways to jobs and education.
Successful Aboriginal-led organisations sharing in the grant funding include:
- Strong Brother Strong Sister to provide tailored mentoring and foster positive mental health and wellbeing among Aboriginal young people in the Barwon South West area ($47,500)
- Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sports and Recreation to deliver cultural youth days across the Yarra, Darebin and Banyule Local Government Areas ($40,000)
- Weenthunga Health Network to conduct a series of weekend retreats for young Aboriginal women pursuing careers in health services in Bendigo and Geelong ($30,900)
- Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service to promote self-care and respectful relationships among Aboriginal young people across regional Victoria and Southern Metropolitan areas ($42,500)
- Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place for a leadership program for Aboriginal young people in Manningham, Whitehorse, Boroondara, Knox, Monash, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges ($40,000)
- Dardi Munwurro to support a team of young people to design and create two public murals in the City of Darebin ($48,000)
The funding recognises additional challenges Aboriginal young people can face as a result of the coronavirus pandemic by working with communities to build connection to culture, overcome social isolation and provide pathways into employment, training and skill building opportunities.
The Government's investment builds on the successful Marram Nganyin Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program, which funds youth‑led and culturally safe mentoring programs that respond to the local needs of Aboriginal young people.
As stated by Minister for Youth Ros Spence
"We're helping young Aboriginal Victorians stay connected with community and culture - as well as education and employment opportunities - as we recover from the pandemic."
As stated by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
"Guided by our commitment to self-determination, we're backing Aboriginal-led organisations to provide opportunities for young people to celebrate their Aboriginal culture and identity."
