Young people in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region will continue to have access to vital support services at the Latrobe Youth Space thanks to an injection of funding from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today announced an additional investment of $900,000 to continue operating the Latrobe Youth Space in Morwell, which was set up by the Labor Government in 2018.
The Minister also announced an additional $770,000 to support the Ladder Step Up program and the Inclusive Employment and Worker Transition Program over the next 12 months.
The Latrobe Youth Space and the local programs support young and vulnerable people in the Latrobe Valley to pursue education, employment, and training to get meaningful careers and participate in the local economy.
Showers and food are also available for young people at the Latrobe Youth Space, and they can also use the service to get connected with other community services based on their individual needs.
The new funding brings the Labor Government’s investment in the Latrobe Youth Space to $9.7 million, adding to the $250,000 in funding provided through the Regional Development portfolio earlier this year.
Since 2017, the Ladder Step Up program has supported nearly 300 young people aged between 16 and 25. The program has helped them to get the education, training and skills they need to find meaningful employment opportunities.
More than 80 per cent of young people who have graduated from the Ladder Step Up program have found opportunities that have positively contributed to their health, wellbeing and their connection with the local community.
The funding for the Inclusive Employment and Worker Transition Program will allow the program to continue supporting vulnerable people to find jobs in the energy, construction and advanced manufacturing sectors. To date the program has assisted 82 young people find jobs in these growth sectors – with 65 finding jobs and 17 getting apprenticeships.
This new funding is part of the Labor Government’s record $45 billion investment in projects and programs supporting regional Victoria to be an even better place to live, work and visit.
For more information, go to rdv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
“Young people in the Latrobe Valley and across Gippsland will shape the region’s economic growth and prosperity into the future. This funding recognises that by backing young people to find education and employment that is meaningful to them, near where they live.”
As stated by Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman
“The Latrobe Youth Space contributes to the Latrobe Valley’s vibrant community and is making a difference by working with young people to reach their full potential.”
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Our ongoing support for the Latrobe Youth Space is about helping hundreds more young people across the Valley and the region to connect, access services, and develop the life skills, opportunities and confidence they deserve.”
As stated by CEO of Latrobe Youth Space Sandy Hegarty
“This funding means we can continue to give young people in the Latrobe Valley support, opportunity, and a fair go.”
