The Empowering Communities Project is under way, with eight community projects receiving their share of $500,000 in funding.
A total of eight local projects received a share of the Greater Shepparton City Council funding, which was distributed through a community grants program.
The projects funded under the Empowering Communities Project commenced in July and will conclude in June 2024.
To find out more about the Empowering Communities Project, contact the team via email at empoweringcommunities@shepparton.vic.gov.au or phone council on 5832 9700.
The eight projects
Justice diversion program
Giz a Break will deliver a one-year justice diversion program for 14- to 17-year-olds, referred by members of the Hume Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee, through adventure four-wheel-drive camps.
Adaptive sports programs
GV Gangaru Parasports will purchase specialised equipment that will support young people to participate in disability sporting programs.
Life Links co-ordinator
A Life Links co-ordinator will be employed at the Family Haven in Mooroopna. This role will provide specialised and individual support to young people and guardians of young people to navigate services, respond to challenges and provide mentorship.
Mental health first aid training
This project will provide free internationally recognised training in youth mental health first aid for groups and individuals. The program will support those working or living with adolescents, including parents, school staff, sports coaches and youth workers.
Echo Hope program
Four unique programs will be delivered by Masomo Mbele to support young refugees, with a focus on sharing stories, legal education and English language classes, homework club and ICT support, and building employment skills.
Art mural
MEAC will work with local vulnerable and disengaged youth as well as collaborating with community leaders with the aim of combatting graffiti, increasing town pride and building relationships between participants.
Circle of Security parenting program
Circle of Security is for parents and carers of children aged up to 12 years old who would like to develop secure relationship bonds with their children to help them thrive. It is run by Secure Shepp Kids.
English lessons
The Umoja Empowerment Group will provide English lessons to support young people in learning the language of job applications, how to effectively convey their skills in a job interview and how to write essays clearly in school.