- Published:
- Friday 17 June 2016
A new regional youth hub in Warrnambool is helping grow better services across the South West region, boosting opportunities for local young people to participate in the community.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing more than $450,000 in funding over two years for the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) to operate the new centre, which will be co-located with other local services at Brophy Family and Youth Services.
Growing regional capability will be a strong focus, with activities including education, collaboration and engagement programs as well as advocacy for local youth service organisations in Warrnambool and surrounding areas.
In Warrnambool today, Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos attended the first official event of the new regional office, a training session about YACVic’s online Youth Engagement Portal and meeting of the Youth Participation Practice Network.
Part of a range of new initiatives that will be provided to support youth service organisations and benefit young people, the network brings together youth practitioners to share their experiences and collaborate on best practice to support the participation of young people in Warrnambool.
YACVic is the peak body for the youth sector in Victoria, providing policy advice, advocacy and coordination on behalf of the youth sector and young people.
Last year the Labor Government announced more than $900,000 in funding over two years for YACVic to establish two regional youth hubs, one in Warrnambool and one in Swan Hill.
The Government will soon announce its new youth policy, which will strengthen how it engages with young people and ensure the views of young people are heard as policies and programs are developed.
The new hub will be fully operational by the end of July. For more information, go to www.yacvic.org.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos
“Our regional youth focus will ensure more support for young people in Warrnambool and the South West region to participate, keep engaged and contribute to their communities.”
Quotes attributable Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Young people are a vital part of our communities. This will improve their access to services and programs.”
Quotes attributable to Youth Affairs Council of Victoria CEO Georgie Ferrari
“YACVic is delighted to be operating on the ground in the South West region of Victoria. Our presence will enhance young people's capacity to engage in their communities and have their voices heard.”