Cash help reaches out

By Tania Martin
TWO hills youth services will be better equipped this year thanks to a $270,000 State Government cash injection.
Emerald’s Centre for Hope and Outreach (ECHO) and Cardinia Shire Council were two of more than 100 organisations to share in the money. The injection was announced last month as part of a $12.3 million boost under the Government’s youth participation program. ECHO’s Beyond All Expectations program will receive $150,000, enabling the mentoring scheme to continue.
It aims to help youth aged between 14 and 17 to reconnect with the community, while having further education or training and employment.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato last month welcomed the funding.
“This is a program designed to build resilience, self-awareness, accredited skills and knowledge, in preparation for work and the world beyond school,” she said.
A further $120,000 was allocated to the Shire of Cardinia for its youth participation and access program, which aims to engage young people and provide support activities.
Youth Affairs Minister and Monbulk MP James Merlino said the funding would provide support to community organisations and local governments to ensure young people could find direct support and information on local services, and participate in community youth-led activities.
“It (the funding) aims to level the playing field by giving vulnerable young people new opportunities to showcase their strengths, develop skills and get involved to make a difference in their community,” he said.