$583,578 INVESTED IN GOULBURN MULWAREE YOUTH

Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s Connect, Support and Empower Youth Program is one of 68 projects across the State set to become a reality thanks to a $40 million investment in the next generation of regional youth by the NSW Government.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman MP said the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program will provide $583,578 in funding for the youth-focused project delivered by Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

“The Connect, Support and Empower Youth Program will work with young people who have, or are at risk of, disengaging from family, education, or community to identify their health, career and wellbeing needs and goals.

“The program will empower young people to engage with a Youth Support Worker to determine the appropriate individual pathway to achieve their goals and address, reduce and overcome any barriers to future success,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“This funding will give Council the opportunity to further educate and empower our youth. It will help Council fill the gap of not having early intervention support services – and this has been an issue for a long time.

“Council will now be able to provide our youth with the support and guidance they are seeking, as they navigate the troubles of life and transiting into adulthood”, Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor, Peter Walker said.

Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ program will improve the lives and wellbeing of young people across regional NSW.

“This is an investment in the next generation – an investment in projects and initiatives that matters to them and that will help regional youth reach their potential,” Mr Toole said.

“This investment is a testament to the Liberals and Nationals’ ongoing commitment in ensuring regional youth are empowered to build their own future. I’m excited to see these very important programs and initiatives start rolling out.”

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said nearly 2,000 young people were consulted to help determine the priorities for investment.

“This is an investment that has been shaped for youth, by youth and is based on findings from Regional Youth Insights – the largest regional youth research project ever commissioned by the NSW Government,” Mr Franklin said.

“The Liberals and Nationals are committed to creating opportunities to support young people to live, work and achieve in regional NSW whether that’s through developing career pathways, improved health and wellbeing services, extracurricular activities or a newfound connection to culture and community.”

For further information about the NSW Government’s Regional Youth Insights, go to: http://www.nsw.gov.au/regionalyouthinsights.

For further information on the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program, go to: http://www.nsw.gov.au/regionalyouthinvestmentprogram.