New grants to benefit Young People in the St George Area

The NSW Government’s ‘Youth Opportunities Program’ has recently received a funding boost of $2 million, set to enhance young people’s skillsets for future employment and education.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure said, that the program will ensure young people are prepared for future endeavours and challenges. This will provide a range of one-off grants between $10,000 and $50,000 for young locals to design, lead and implement a range of projects in their local community.

“This program is tailored specifically to youth, encouraging the leaders of tomorrow to get involved and make a real difference in their community, whilst also improving their skills in the process,” Mr Coure said.

“Local programs involve the ‘How to Adult’ workshop run by the Georges River Council, giving youth the boost they need to live independently within our community. Further, the Sydney Stepping Stone Inc. will run the ‘Telling Our Stories’ program, which aims to give homeless youth a voice by designing narratives which express their unique stories.

Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones said, the Youth Opportunities grants will not only give young people skill-building opportunities, but will also engage young people with their local community.

“Youth Opportunities focuses on delivering high-quality, youth-led projects which will help young people develop the talents and tools they need to achieve their career and educational goals,” Minister Maclaren-Jones said.

“From initiatives to assist young people to get their first job to workshops that will build vital life skills such as cooking and car maintenance, there will be incredible opportunities state-wide for young people.”

Projects in the Georges River area are among 47 other Youth Opportunity Grants state-wide. Youth Opportunities is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, providing $15.3 million to 329 projects across NSW since it commenced.