Supporting Aboriginal-Led Youth Mentoring Programs

VIC Premier

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Aboriginal young people to achieve their goals through personalised mentoring programs promoting wellbeing, connection to culture, education and employment.

Minister for Youth Ros Spence today announced five Aboriginal organisations will receive $180,000 each, sharing in $900,000 through the Marram Nganyin Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program.

Programs will be delivered across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The Aboriginal Wellness Foundation will provide mentoring and on-country cultural retreats for young Aboriginal men in the Wyndham area, while in the Glenelg and Southern Grampians regions Winda-Mara will support specialised cultural camps and programs with Aboriginal Elders.

Willum Warrain Aboriginal Gathering Place will host cultural events and on-country experiences for young people on the Mornington Peninsula. In Mildura, Kiilalaana Warrior Kii will deliver self-development opportunities for young women through connection to culture and country.

Strong Brother Strong Sister will provide mental health programs and on-country events for Aboriginal young people in Greater Geelong.

The successful grant recipients have been selected in partnership with Aboriginal young people, the Koorie Youth Council and the Youth Affairs Council Victoria, who have worked with the Government since 2016 to deliver culturally safe mentoring programs that respond to the needs of Aboriginal young people.

The Victorian Budget 2021-22 included more than $1.4 million to continue the Marram Nganyin Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program for two years.

For more information, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/get-involved.

As stated by Minister for Youth Ros Spence

“These mentoring programs are an important source of strength for First Nations young people, keeping them connected to Country and community.”

As stated by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams

“Aboriginal-led organisations understand best what Aboriginal young people need, so we are supporting them to deliver these important services.”

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