Investing in Women Funding Program

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-103574

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Investing in Women Funding Program

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (19:19:46):

I speak on the recently announced $400,000 investment by the New South Wales Government in the Investing in Women Funding Program. I commend the Minister for Women, Tanya Davies, for supporting and driving a program that has delivered funds to a variety of organisations since 2013 with the aim of promoting gender equity in the workplace. It is critical that we support women to access training, education and mentoring so that the rate of female participation in the workforce can grow. Every day we see women and girls from all walks of life making significant contributions to our communities personally and professionally. In many cases, they have had to overcome gender inequalities to do so.

I have had the privilege to meet and work with many women who are breaking down barriers in male‑dominated industries and who are paving the way for other women and girls by taking on leadership roles. Projects funded under the Investing in Women Funding Program create more opportunities for more women and girls to follow this lead and develop the skills and confidence to achieve their goals. This year the New South Wales Government has committed $400,000 to a program that provides grants of up to $100,000 each to 14 organisations. This represents a total increase of $200,000 on previous years and has supported four more projects than in 2017. The Investing in Women Funding Program has several focus areas, including women's economic opportunity and advancement; women in small business; women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers; women in male-dominated trades; women in leadership roles; and leadership pathways for young women.

Former projects have successfully increased women's economic and leadership opportunities, and led to benefits for individuals, families and the community. Advancing the role, status and contribution of women and girls in our communities will encourage more diversity and flexibility for women and men in the workplace and result in increased innovation, productivity and prosperity. One of the 14 organisations that received funding under this year's Investing in Women Funding Program is 2Connect Youth & Community, formerly known as St George Youth Services. I am pleased to hear that 2Connect will be receiving $22,000, with the aim of empowering women and girls in my electorate and across the broader St George area. With this funding injection, 2Connect aims to create a leadership team for Young Women's Hub. This hub will mentor young women from culturally and linguistically diverse [CALD] and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. Mentorship will be done by other CALD women who are key businesspeople or leaders in their field across the St George area. The aim of the program is to improve access to self-employment and other employment opportunities for all women, but especially those of non-English-speaking backgrounds.

2Connect is greatly deserving of this funding and I commend the manager of the organisation, Valentina Angelovska, and her team for their tireless commitment to serving the community. 2Connect is a leading not-for-profit that has provided holistic services to empower youth, families and communities in the south‑east Sydney region and surrounds for more than 28 years. Its mission is to provide inclusive and sustainable services to improve the wellbeing and connections of young people, families and communities. Its vision is to see communities where all individuals feel a sense of belonging and achieve their full potential as individuals and citizens. To achieve this, 2Connect offers a range of holistic, complimentary services relating to alcohol and other drugs, finding employment, supporting individuals who are at risk of homelessness, and helping youth reconnect with their family or school, as well as running successful community development projects advocating to address local specific needs and issues. Its success story has been incredible.

The impact of 2Connect has been truly impressive. More than 21,000 individuals have engaged in community development projects, 5,000 young people have received drug and alcohol support, and more than 1,000 individuals have been assisted to prevent homelessness. More than 1,000 families have been supported to prevent family breakdown and 337 young people have been connected with employment or education. With a track record and glowing statistics like those, I am excited to witness the future of 2Connect's programs, services, influence and reach. I thank the entire team of 2Connect for pioneering the work of the organisation and being a voice for young people in the community. Now, with $22,000 being invested through the Investing in Women Funding Program, the impact of 2Connect on the leadership and development of local girls and women will have far greater reach.