Youth arts, sport programs win funding boost

GEELONG arts and sporting groups will share in $120,000 of state government funding aimed at improving community connectedness among young people.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens announced local recipients for round two of VicHealth’s ‘JumpStart!’ initiative, which is delivering $3.5 million across the state for new programs aimed at people aged up to 25, including community sport, active play, art and food programs.

Successful Geelong grant winners were:

• Platfrom Arts Inc – INFINITY performance workshop program ($50,000) and YOOKAPA Professional Development Program ($50,000)
• St Joseph’s Football Club – Establishing a St Joeys All-Abilities Team to promote access and inclusion ($10,000), and
• Geelong Cricket Association – All-Abilities cricket programs across Geelong, Surf Coast and Colac regions ($10,000)

“These fantastic programs have been created by local organisations across the Geelong region, specifically to help improve the health and wellbeing of young people in our community,” Ms Couzens said.

“I encourage young people and their families to see what’s on offer near them – these projects are a great chance to try a new skill and make new friends along the way.”

Across Victoria, ‘JumpStart!’ offers new activities for around 68,000 children and young people as part of the VicHealth’s $45 million Future Healthy Initiative.