Creswick youth get cash boost

A PROGRAM aimed at bolstering youth engagement in Creswick has received a financial boost thanks to the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program.

Staff at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre have received $10,000 through the program as well as $5000 from the Creswick and District Bank.

Centre manager Chrissy Austin said the funds will realise the project.

“We’ve bought some handheld tech devices, some games, new LEGOs, craft activities,” she said. “It’s also to support a youth program officer who’s working with us one day a week.

“We’re really excited for this program. This group can play a really important role at the neighbourhood centre.”

The first round of the centre’s youth program called Games Lab launched last Thursday and will run for 10 weeks with 10 regular attendees.

Currently held in two of the centre’s rooms, the program is set to be youth-led with a second component around aimed at incorporating youth advocacy and leadership skills.

“It’s really about building those relationships and everyone getting to know each other, talking about how they’re feeling about high school, that sort of thing,” Ms Austin said.

Ms Austin said there’s a need for more youth engagement for the region.

“Across Creswick there’s a gap in programs to do with youth,” she said. “Due to there being no secondary school in Creswick, keeping connections for kids has been a bit limited.

“We want to ensure years five to eight stay connected through their schooling doing something fun like gaming and those sorts of activities.”