The Andrews Labor Government is celebrating and reconnecting young people through the new Victorian Youth Fest 2022.
Minister for Youth Ros Spence today announced the recipients for the month-long celebration in September, with 110 Youth Fest events led by young people to receive a share of $220,000.
Grants of up to $2,000 are offered to councils, community organisations and schools to host face-to-face, digital or hybrid events that encourage participation, amplify youth voices and showcase young people’s talents.
Preston Neighbourhood House will host two poetry events for LGBTIQ+ youth and allies as part of the Bridge Queer Gathering Poets Corner, fostering a strong community and encouraging creative expression in a safe and inclusive environment.
Ballarat Action Climate Co-Op youth members supported by Food Is Free volunteers will host ‘A Good Day to Grow’, an indoor plant workshop which aims to inspire young people to green their personal spaces, promote healthier living environments and encourage healthy routines.
Other Youth Fest events include Youth 4 Eco Art which will deliver creative workshops and a permanent mural in Manningham City and Bonnie Doon Community Group, which will lead a Youth Film Festival in Mansfield to promote youth advocacy and voices.
Successful organisations have partnered with young people to design and deliver activities that will provide opportunities to showcase skills and expand professional and social networks.
Events that engage newly arrived young people, refugees and asylum seekers, Aboriginal young people, young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, rural and regional Victorians, young people with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and those facing social isolation have been prioritised.
For more information, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/youth-fest.
As stated by Minister for Youth Ros Spence
“We’re ensuring young people are supported to reconnect with each other and their communities through the Victorian Youth Fest 2022.”
“We’re excited to see these Youth Fest events come to life in September – they’ll create opportunities for young people to express their creativity, build their social connections and have their voices heard.”
