The Allan Labor Government is backing the skills and creativity of young people across the state through two grant programs designed to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that Yarram & District Health Service would be one of the 134 recipients of the Engage! and FReeZA grant programs for 2025-2027, funding activities for young Victorians aged 12 to 25.
The Health Service will receive $150,000 from 2025 to 2027 for its Engage! Yarram program – aimed at empowering youth by enhancing skills and driving community engagement. It’ll also ensure that young people in Yarram play an active role in shaping the activities.
Engage! grants, which range from $60,000 to $180,000, and FReeZA grants, which provide $45,000 to $120,000, are three-year funding streams that support community organisations, local governments, and social enterprises.
This includes supporting programs that strengthen and assist the wellbeing of young people, with a focus on fostering leadership and youth empowerment through education and cultural activities.
For more information on the programs visit vic.gov.au/engage-2025-2027 and vic.gov.au/freeza-2025-27.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman
“FReeZA and Engage! empower Victoria’s young people to shape their communities, find their voices and unlock their potential.”
“These grants will ensure that young people have the support and resources they need to thrive and contribute to our state into the future.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“Investing in our youth is good for kids, good for communities, and good for the future – I wish all in the Yarram Engage program every success with this fantastic initiative.”
Quote attributable to Yarram & District Health Service Director of Primary Health Care Mitchell Schwenke
“The initiative will deliver targeted strategies to provide local youth with meaningful training, mentoring, and volunteering opportunities for skill development.”
“With this funding, our team will be expanded to offer tailored guidance and support, ensuring youth gain valuable skills and experience to set them up for their future. The program adopts a structured, youth-led approach, empowering young people to take active leadership roles in its planning, delivery, and evaluation.”
