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YOUTH EMPOWERED TO BUILD THEIR OWN FUTURE

Writer: Steph Cooke MP
Steph Cooke MP
Sep 23, 2022
2 min read

​​Friday, 23 September 2022​


Developing work-ready skills, improving health services, and creating stronger access to digital technology are ways young people in the region will be empowered to build their own future through the NSW Government’s $40 million “Our Region, Our Voice” program.


Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new “Our Region, Our Voice” program would offer grants of up to $3 million for targeted local initiatives to help regional youth reach their full potential.


“This program is a fantastic initiative, designed to help community groups and organisations to support young people in our community, and I encourage all who are eligible to apply” Ms Cooke said.


“The younger generation are our future leaders, and it is important to provide them with the programs, tools and skills to assist them to achieve their goals.”


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.


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 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 $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 

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