Funding boost to kick-start youth projects

Last published on 04 Feb 2021 

Young people will be supported to build life skills, access employment opportunities and nurture their wellbeing and mental health thanks to $1.5 million in NSW Government grants announced today.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said 35 projects have received up to $50,000 each through the Youth Opportunities program.

“We want all young people to be engaged and active members of their communities and these grants foster exciting new initiatives to make that happen,” Mr Ward said.

“Young people are our State’s greatest asset and we are working hard to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to make our communities stronger and better places to live.”

Among the successful projects this year are programs to empower disadvantaged youth, an initiative to promote work experience opportunities for young people with disability and projects focusing on positive mental health.

Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said more than half of the successful projects are based in regional and rural NSW.

“Rural communities know it’s vital to engage with young people as they are the future leaders in their regions,” Mrs Taylor said.

“These projects will give young people the tools they need to navigate a range of issues so that they can build resilience and thrive.”

Since the NSW Government established the Youth Opportunities program in 2012, almost $13.3 million has been invested in 282 projects.

For the full list of successful grant recipients and details about each project, visit https://www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-opportunities.