The Victorian Government is using the power of sport, art, music, and creativity to keep vulnerable young people away from the justice system.

The Youth Engagement Grants provide up to $50,000 for projects designed by small multicultural and Aboriginal clubs to engage young people and help keep them on the right path. The grants can be used to boost an existing program or to fund new projects.

Through co-designing a project with the support of Government, the grants also give smaller organisations the opportunity to build expertise in developing proposals.

This partnership approach will build the capacities of grassroots groups, allowing them to deliver projects that acknowledge the diverse needs of their communities.

The new grants are part of the Building Safer Communities Program, which supports Victorian communities to address the root causes of crime and improve community safety.

Working together to provide positive opportunities for at-risk young people forms part of the Government’s Crime Prevention Strategy, which is backed by more than $30 million in investment.

The Crime Prevention Strategy sets out a clear plan and a long-term, evidence-based approach to addressing the causes of offending to keep our communities safe.

A Youth Engagement Grants information session will be held online on 3 November 2021, with expressions of interest open from 18 October until 13 December 2021. Visit crimeprevention.vic.gov.au for more information.

For more information visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/youthengagementgrants.

Quotes attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly

“Staying on the right path without the right support can be a difficult task for many young Victorians – support that Youth Engagement Grants can provide.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“I’m pleased our Government is providing support to grassroots organisations that engage with at-risk youth and help them make good choices in life.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins

“Our Youth Engagement Grants focus on the smaller, grassroots organisations which already know their local communities and what young people need.”

“It’s important that young people have the chance to do local sport, arts or music. Getting involved helps them make the most of their lives and stay away from the justice system.”