$90,000 for youth

By Emma Sun
GREATER Dandenong Council has received $90,000 from the State Government towards developing its youth mentoring program.
The Peers Supporting Peers Program, which encourages youth engagement in the community through social inclusion and peer support, is part of the government’s $12.3 million Engage! program for more than 100 youth service providers, local government and not-for-profit organisations.
Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said the program will provide more opportunities for young people do a range of things in the community.
“Engage! aims to support programs that offer opportunities for young people to volunteer, participate in mentoring, receive study and career advice, and gain practical skills and training and increased connections with their community,” he said.
City of Greater Dandenong’s acting services director Lynette While said they were very pleased to receive the funding.
“The Engage! funding will further support the provision of services to create an environment that encourages participation in the community, and enhances the health and well-being of young people in our municipality,” she said.
“Council looks forward to working closely with the state to continue delivering this important program, which will target young women and young people with additional needs.”
For more information about the Engage! program, visit www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/engage