More young Aboriginal people around Victoria will be connected with mentors from within their communities thanks to the Allan Labor Government’s Marram Nganyin Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program.
Marram Nganyin translates to ‘we are strong’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People.
Five Aboriginal organisations will each receive grants of up to $335,000 over three years including:
Bunjilwarra Koori youth healing service in Mornington Peninsula will deliver a mentoring program within a residential rehabilitation service for young aboriginal people in Hastings
Weenthunga Health Network in the City of Yarra will support young first nations women with careers in health/wellbeing through a mentoring program for young women
Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place in the City of Whitehorse will codesign and deliver a community led youth program
Rumbalara Football and Netball Club in Greater Shepparton will bring together young people aged 15 – 19 to co-design their own leadership program with mentors
Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation in Glenelg and Southern Grampians Shires through the Karreeta Koornong Marr project will support young people aged 12 – 25 with a three-year mentoring program which aims to connect them to culture, build leadership skills and support their future goals.
The organisations will also receive support to run programs from the Koorie Youth Council in recognition of their statewide leadership as a representative body for young Aboriginal people.
The program provides social and practical support for young Aboriginal people to strengthen their family and community relationships, learn about culture, and engage with education, training, and employment.
Since 2016 Marram Nganyin has supported 300 young Aboriginal people with flexible place-based mentoring programs providing tailored support to reflect the diversity of Aboriginal communities across Victoria.
Designed and delivered by First Nations Victorians, the program is being delivered as part of the more than $23 million Investing Early Where It Matters package.
This latest round of grants continues the Labor Government’s unwavering support for Aboriginal self-determination.
As stated by Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman
“The Marram Nganyin youth mentoring program is about support Aboriginal self-determination by investing in programs that support young First Nations people to achieve their goals.”
“Aboriginal-led organisations understand the needs of young Aboriginal Victorians, and this funding gives these groups the support they need to engage young people with both their community and Country.”
