State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has formally requested funding be provided by the Victorian Government in the upcoming state budget to secure the long-term future of Tomorrow Today.
Tomorrow Today received funding from the Victorian Government in 2021 which is set to expire at the end of the current financial year.
Ms Cleeland said the work undertaken by Tomorrow Today provided a strong return on investment.
“Tomorrow Today is a transformative organisation. They have made a significant and tangible impact, driving positive outcomes for families across the region,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Since the beginning of the Education Benalla Program the outlook for youth in Benalla has dramatically improved.
“This ranges from a reduction in the proportion of children developmentally vulnerable to a 350 per cent increase in work experience placements.”
More than 20 programs are offered through the Education Benalla Program, supporting 1500 children and families annually, while engaging 124 community partners.
“In addition to seeking funding from Treasury, I’ve communicated the importance of ongoing funding for Tomorrow Today to the Ministers for Youth, Health and Early Childhood Development.” Ms Cleeland said.
“Tomorrow Today’s programs are incredibly broad ranging, supporting children, families and youth across our region.”
Ms Cleeland said with clear disparities in key socio-economic indicators between regional and metropolitan Victoria, the Victorian Government must continue to support programs to address regional disadvantage.
“We all know there is a significant cost to living in regional areas in the form of reduced access to crucial services,” she said.
“I’m passionate about addressing disadvantage in our communities and improving health and wellbeing outcomes for locals.
“Tomorrow Today is at the forefront of this crucial work and I urge the treasurer to renew the Victorian Government’s support and allow the foundation to continue improving outcomes for the Benalla region.”