The Youth Opportunities Program provides one-off grants of up to $50,000 to local government and non-government organisations for community projects that have a positive youth development focus.
Youth-led projects that received funding in 2018 include:
- the Feel Good Food project by Prosper (Project Australia), which will support young people to run food stalls at community events in the Greater Sydney region
- House Force run by House With No Steps, which supports young people with disability to volunteer at community organisations to gain skills and experience for paid employment
- Fairfield City Council’s Choose Life (Skills) program, which equips young people with essential living skills including budgeting, buying property and cooking.
The Minister responsible for Youth, Ray Williams, said the program aims to provide youth with a step up in life.
“The projects selected will upskill young people to provide them with greater opportunities for employment,” Mr Williams said.
“It will encourage youth to consider careers and further training in a number of sectors, including hospitality, events planning or media.”
Since 2012, more than $9 million has been allocated to 177 youth projects.
See projects funded in previous years