Heat on over cash shortfall

By Tania Martin
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges is calling for the State Government to increase funding for a popular youth program to cover its mounting costs.
The council has joined 35 metropolitan and rural councils plus the Municipal Association of Victoria’s call for extra cash for the FReeZA program.
Since the introduction of the popular FReeZA program 10 years ago there has been little or no increase to the funding. The program allows for councils to fund live music and cultural events for young people that are alcohol and drug free.
However, shire program and events coordinator Belinda Chalmers said each council only receives one allocation of FReeZA funding per year which has to be stretched to cover all costs.
“The funding is barley enough to run one youth events committee let alone the four we have in the shire,” she said.
O’Shannassy Ward councillor Monika Keane said that the FReeZA program was essential for young people because it provided them with safe entertainment.
Cr Keane said the program also gives young people the opportunity to help organise events and become more involved in their communities.
She said the shire had not had an increase in funding for the program since 2003.
“We are hoping that by running a combined campaign we can demonstrate that this lack of funding is a state wide problem,” Cr Keane said.
Cr Keane said that councils and other FReeZA providers were being forced to pay for any shortfalls in funding in order to meet the rising costs of wages and venue and security hire for events.
Youth Affairs Minister James Merlino said the Government was committed to encouraging young people to participate in the program.
“That’s why we are now providing two year’s worth of funding this year – up to $38,900, which will mean young people in Yarra Ranges will be able to better plan and implement 10 events over 2008-09,” he said.
But according to the council the funding still hasn’t been increased.
A council spokesperson said the funding that the Government had allocated was for a two year period and would still leave the council with a shortfall.
Mr Merlino said the councils can now also apply for music equipment grants which will help provide councils with $10,000 to put towards a bank of musical equipment that can be accessed by all young people.
He said this funding would be available to every local government area over the next four years and would greatly enhance the delivery of FReeZA events.