Grafton News
NEW INVESTMENT IN CLARENCE AND RICHMOND VALLEY YOUNG PEOPLE

NEW INVESTMENT IN CLARENCE AND RICHMOND VALLEY YOUNG PEOPLE
Local organisations representing the interests of young people now have access to a new $40 million ‘Nationals in NSW Government Our Region, Our Voice’ program, with grants of up to $3 million for targeted local initiatives to help regional youth reach their full potential, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.
“Partnerships between Clarence and Richmond Valley youth groups and the NSW Government had grown in recent years, delivering great community benefits,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“Young people struggled more than most with COVID lockdowns, and then we had the floods, so this massive new Nationals in Government investment in regional youth could not come at a better time.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the record investment has been shaped by youth for youth.
“We’ve engaged with 2000 young people in regional communities across our state to understand what matters to them and to ensure this investment will meet the needs of the next generation, now and into the future,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the funding will be allocated across nine areas identified as high priorities by the Regional Youth Taskforce and Regional Youth Insights – the largest regional youth research project ever commissioned by the NSW Government.
“From more mental health support and improved career pathways to greater recreational activities and reliable public transport, this research told us exactly what our regional youth want and need,” Mr Franklin said.
Youth Community Coordinator for the North Coast Giane Smajstr said the new program would provide significant benefits for youth in the Clarence and Richmond Valley communities.
“The future of our regional communities relies on prioritising young people. Through this program communities can provide localised solutions and resources for young people to thrive,” Ms Smajstr said.
“This fantastic opportunity provides an amazing springboard from which regional youth might leap forward into successful adulthoods.”
The ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ has funding available for projects to:
• Enhance high school engagement and retention
• Develop work ready skills, knowledge and networks
• Increase access and quality of health services including provision of youth services
• Improve access to public and private transport
• Better access to digital technology and digital skills
• Deliver more community youth projects
• Support at risk-youth
• Assist young people to secure affordable housing
The priority for the North Coast is to improve access to mental health services. 65 per cent of young people listed better mental health support as an initiative that would support young people living healthier lives.
The second priority for the region is to improve belonging through the provision of additional recreational activities and events. 54 per cent of young people in the North Coast region noted that an increase in fun and interesting things to do would make life in their town and surrounding areas better.
The $40 million package is part of the NSW Government’s record investment in regional youth through the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
Applications for the Regional Youth Investment Program are now open and will close at 10am, October 4, 2022.
For further information on the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regionalyouthinvestmentprogram
Breaking News
Official Opening Of Clarence Preschool Celebrates A Bright Future For Local Families

Breaking News
Race to get pool ready for first dip

Breaking News
Carnival over for Jacaranda guru

Breaking News
In-town green waste depot to close

Breaking News
TAFE NSW Graduates Excel in Alternative Pathway to University

-
Tweed Shire News2 years ago
A NEW TWEED HEADS
-
Motoring News2 years ago
Toyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News4 years ago
Northern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News4 years ago
Northern Rivers COVID-19 update
-
Northern Rivers Local News3 years ago
Fears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
-
Health News4 years ago
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News4 years ago
Lismore Family Medical Practice employee close contact
-
NSW Breaking News4 years ago
Vale: Former NSW prison boss Ron Woodham