Ashford Local Aboriginal Land Council is excited to welcome a financial boost to their youth-led program ‘Culture Club’ as part of the State Government’s $1.5 million initiative to empower young people to design and deliver projects in their community.
Ashford will receive $27,000 through the grant which will directly benefit local people.
“Our Culture Club has been planned in partnership with Ashford Central School.” said Bek Berry, Ashford Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO.
“This valuable partnership will deliver a grass roots weekly culture club for Aboriginal youth in the Ashford area. The activities will be designed by the students and funds will be utilised for direct service delivery.”
“It is an exciting project that will build on the cultural knowledge and engage Elders with students to ensure traditional knowledge is continued on Kwiamble land.”
Our youth making an impact
Thirty-five organisations were successful in securing grants of up to $50,000 under the 2024 Youth Opportunities program. The funding supports the delivery of youth-led projects that aim to address the needs of marginalised young people in their communities.
Each project will involve young people at every stage – from identifying local needs and developing a project proposal through to its design, delivery and final review.
The innovative projects will increase young people’s connection to their communities and give them the chance to develop essential leadership, communication and management skills – helping them to achieve their full potential.
““When young people feel empowered to bring their ideas and opinions to the table and feel that these contributions are respected, it fosters personal confidence and professional growth.” said Minister for Youth Rose Jackson.
Marginalised youth can include people aged between 12 and 24 who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, are from lower socio-economic backgrounds, are transitioning from out-of-home care, live with a disability, are young carers or have contact with the justice system.
Since it was first launched in 2012, the Youth Opportunities program has provided $18.3 million in funding to 399 projects across NSW.
The projects announced today will commence in 2025.
Other successful projects in the New England
Tamworth: Homes North Community Housing Company Ltd: GEN Z Living Your Best Life $49,850
Inverell: Regional Community Builders Incorporated: Dreaming Big and Building a Future for Aboriginal Youth at Risk and Youth with a Disability $ $42,384
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