Funding Boost for Councils to Engage Youth

Last published on 02 Mar 2021 

Children and young people across the state will enjoy more opportunities to engage and participate in their communities thanks to a funding boost from the NSW Government ahead of Youth Week.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said local councils will receive a share in $335,000 to help run events in their communities.

“Now more than ever it is so important for our young people to stay connected. COVID-19 has presented so many challenges and Youth Week gives young people an outlet to avoid social isolation,” Mr Ward said.

“Youth Week provides young people a chance to share ideas, attend events, voice their concerns, showcase their talents and connect with others.”

The NSW Government will support local councils across the state to run locally led community events, including an additional $76,000 provided to rural and remote councils to encourage even more young people from these areas to participate.

Councils will jointly fund events in their communities and young people will be involved in all aspects of planning, development and management of activities.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said councils play an important role in creating the next generation of leaders and Youth Week events are an opportunity for young leaders to get involved.

“Events will be organised by young people, for young people,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Young people will have a say on what activities are important and beneficial to them and will develop skills they can carry into their adulthood.”

In 2019, an estimated 73,900 young people participated in over 740 events held during the week.

The theme of NSW Youth Week 2021 is “Together more than ever” and will be celebrated from 16 to 24 April.

For more information and to register for updates, visit NSW Youth Week