Thursday, 12 July, 2018

 It’s another step forward for young people in the Latrobe Valley, with the Andrews Labor Government awarding a new contract to manage Youth Space Latrobe.

Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos today announced the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) will run the centre in partnership with another nine organisations.

This group of 10 will work with young people to help them learn and develop, as well as provide social enterprise and internship activities to boost their employment opportunities.

The Labor Government committed $4.3 million over three years to establish Youth Space Latrobe and provide a range of activities and services to meet the needs of local young people, including those from diverse backgrounds.

As the lead agency, YMCA will receive more than $2.2 million over two years to support infrastructure and equipment costs as well as manage Youth Space Latrobe.

A decision on where the space will be located will be revealed in coming weeks.

The Youth Space Latrobe consortia consists of Berry Street, Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network, Scouts Victoria, Quantum Support Services, Latrobe Youth Voices, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, the Gathering Place, AGL Loy Yang and Gipps Sport, led by the YMCA.

Young people aged 12 to 25 years from Latrobe have played an important role in developing Youth Space Latrobe.

A new Youth Board will also be established to help ensure young people are engaged in the governance of the space and shape the type of programs and services to be delivered.

Their views will also help finalise the location of the space, in consultation with YMCA and their partners. For more information about Youth Space Latrobe, visit lva.vic.gov.au/youth-space-latrobe/.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos

“Young people are the future and it’s vital we set them up for the best opportunities possible – this space will help open doors.”

“This space is about providing them with the right support and services that will not only benefit them, but the broader community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“It is brilliant to see these organisations banding together for this fantastic project, which is about keeping young people connected with education and opportunity.”