Boost for Youth Week

YOUNG people in the City of Casey will enjoy a revamped National Youth Week this year after the State Government announced funding for a youth-led festival promoting cultural diversity.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera announced this week that Casey would receive $2000 in funding to help showcase the cultural music and dance of different cultures, with a focus on Sudanese young people.
Mr Perera said Connection – Child, Youth and Family services would also receive $2000 to organise a celebration of young people’s interests and abilities by providing opportunities for them to engage in sports and music activities across the City of Casey, Cardinia, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
“National Youth Week, which this year will run from 5-13 April, is Australia’s largest celebration for young people, so it is a wonderful boost for our community to be able to hold events with a local flavour,” Mr Perera said.
“The 2008 celebration promises to be bigger than ever and I look forward to seeing young people in the electorate of Cranbourne getting involved in events during the week.”
Mr Perera said the Brumby Government, in partnership with beyondblue, a not-for-profit organisation addressing issues associated with depression, had given more than $150,000 to 80 community organisations across Victoria to work together with young people to deliver National Youth Week events.
The theme for the 2008 National Youth Week celebration is ‘Shout. Share. Live. Unite’.
Minister for Youth Affairs James Merlino said the grants program was aimed at helping young people – wherever they lived and whatever their background – to plan and organise events in their communities.
“This is yet another opportunity to showcase the talents, contributions and achievements of our young Victorians, and help to develop their skills and leadership abilities,” Mr Merlino said.
Visit www.youth.vic.gov.au for more information about National Youth Week 2008.