Growing confident young people and sustainable fresh food is the focus of a new project being backed by the NSW Nationals.
Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders has announced $450,000 for LeaderLife to implement a syntropic farming system in Dubbo, with the aim of training and empowering vulnerable young people as part of the process.
The syntropic farming model combines agriculture and agroforestry.
"LeaderLife has a great track record delivering programs that empower young men and women to reach their full potential," Mr Saunders said.
"This farm will not only provide sustainable locally grown fresh and organic food, it will also be used as a mechanism to provide training and casual employment for local youth, and involve the local community in the process.
"In doing so we'll see these young men and women develop critical skills, as well as independence, generosity and a sense of belonging - you can't put a price on that."
LeaderLife will use the syntropic farming model to provide opportunities for vulnerable young people in the Dubbo community to plan, design, and implement a sustainable organic food production system.
LeaderLife has also received a grant for $69,351 to purchase a dual cab ute, which will create another opportunity to help young people.
"LeaderLife's programs open up a lot of opportunities, but access can be a barrier," Mr Saunders said.
"This vehicle will be a huge help for more young people to get the driving hours required for their provisional licences, which then makes it easier to get to and from training and employment opportunities!"
LeaderLife founder and CEO Joh Leader welcomed the funding.
"This project is something we've been wanting to do for a long time, and we're so grateful to be able to turn this dream into a reality," Mrs Leader said.
"Thank you to the NSW Government for its continual support of LeaderLife and the young men and women we work with. This funding will change lives!"
https://www.leaderlife.org.au/
