The Andrews Labor Government is putting out the call for new and creative ideas to help shape the 2019 Victorian Youth Week.

The flagship event will bring together hundreds of people across the state to celebrate Victoria’s youth, including here in the Werribee electorate.

Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos encouraged local governments, community organisations and schools to send in proposals for the ten-day celebration, with grants of up to $2,000 available.

A record $220,000 is up for grabs to support young people in planning and delivering events, promoting a positive image of young people, and providing opportunities for young people to express their ideas and be heard in the community.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas said eligible organisations can work on proposals to work with young people to deliver their projects in a safe environment that is alcohol, drug and smoke-free.

More than 100 events and activities took place during the inaugural Victorian Youth Week this year, including art exhibitions, musical performances, cultural celebrations, and forums on mental health, identity and other specialist topics.

Victorian Youth Week was created to fill the hole left by the Turnbull Government, which scrapped funding for Australia’s largest celebration of young people – National Youth Week – and forced states and territories to go it alone.

The Labor Government is helping amplify the voices of young people and involving them in key decision-making processes, as guided by the Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria.

Applications are now open to hold events for the 2019 Victorian Youth Week, which will run from Friday, 5 April to Sunday, 14 April 2019.

For more information about Victorian Youth Week, or to apply for next year’s program, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“We’re going to build on the success of this year’s Victorian Youth Week and come back even better and bigger next April – I’m confident our young people will put forward some great ideas.”

“Victorian Youth Week is an important platform to inspire and motivate young people from across Victoria, and to bring their ideas – and the organisations who support them – to the forefront.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“We held the first ever Victorian Youth Week in April this year – and it was a fantastic celebration of our youth and their talents.”

“But we want this year’s to be even bigger and better than before, so I urge the local council and local organisations to apply for funding so we can celebrate our young people in the Werribee electorate.