Council Successful with FReeZA and Engage! Youth Grants

Published on 28 February 2022

Hindmarsh Shire Council has been successful with their funding applications for both the Engage! And FReeZA Grants through the Victorian State Government for the implementation of Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council initiatives.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Melanie Albrecht said “It is great news Council were able to secure funding for these important youth programs. Council wants to support young people growing up in Hindmarsh and provide enjoyable opportunities for them to engage with.”

Continued FReeZA funding will allow Youth Council to build on the existing FReeZA program that has supported music events, skate boarding competitions, school holiday activities and training opportunities for young people over the last three years.

The new Engage! funding will support young people to participate in a wide range of activities including leading a project around an issue that they care about, learning new skills to support transition into adult life, connecting with peers who have shared interests and showcasing their skills and talents within the local community.

A Youth Festival and Awards event that would include ‘life skills’ workshops and a showcase of local young people’s achievements, creativity and innovation has also been suggested. Youth Council also have proposed a Manga and Anime creative group, LGBTQIA+ support and advocacy group and a climate action group, all of which would take place in the new youth spaces in Hindmarsh Shire Libraries.

Hindmarsh Shire Council and Youth Council will continue to work with young people to deliver these ideas over the next three years, partnering with local organisations to enhance the outcomes of the program. 

Hindmarsh Shire Council encourages the community to follow Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council on social media to see how these programs are progressing as well as how they can get involved.

If you are a young person and have ideas around FReeZA or Engage!, Council would love to hear from you. You can reach out to us on social media, via email or through the feedback form on our website.

Cr Albrecht said “We would love you to share your ideas with us and help make Hindmarsh an even better place to grow up.”

Hindmarsh Shire Council is extremely appreciative of the Victorian Government for providing this funding and are excited to support young people in delivering both the Engage! and FReeZA programs over the next three years.

For more information, please contact Jonathon Lunt, Youth Officer on 03 5391 4444, or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Greg Wood
Chief Executive Officer