Grassroots organisations connecting young Victorians through sports, arts and music are set to receive a major boost thanks to the latest round of an Andrews Labor Government grants program.

Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous today announced Mzuri Dance Artistree Fund Inc. is one of 19 organisations to share in more than $852,000 in funding through round two of the Youth Engagement Grants.

The grants provide up to $50,000 for projects that are specifically designed and delivered by small multicultural and Aboriginal organisations to support young people between the ages of 8 and 24 to connect to their community, family, friends and culture.

The Youth Engagement Grants will fund Mzuri Dance Artistree Fund Inc. to support the delivery of its Wellbeing Beyond the Bell - Youth Creative Program for Social and Cultural Connection program.

These grants are part of the Building Safer Communities Program, which supports Victorian councils and community organisations to deliver innovative crime prevention projects that improve community safety.

The Building Safer Communities Program is a cornerstone of the government’s Crime Prevention Strategy, which sets out a long-term approach to addressing the root causes of crime and building safer communities across Victoria.

Since 2015, the government has invested more than $90 million in crime prevention programs and supported over 945 projects to increase safety and community confidence in public places across Victoria – including $1.7 million in the Victorian Budget 2021-22 for two rounds of the Youth Engagement Grants.

For more information about the Youth Engagement Grants see www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/youthengagementgrants   

Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Anthony Carbines

“Youth Engagement Grants back grassroots organisations to reach more young people and provide meaningful connections – I congratulate all the successful recipients who will continue to make a real difference.”

“These projects provide children and young people with strong social connections that set them up for strong lives, and I’m proud to be part of a government that’s investing in the future of young Victorians.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous

“Organisations funded through the Youth Engagement Grants do such fantastic work to engage young people and it’s wonderful to see the local community supporting one another like this.”

“We know when young people have positive connections and feel engaged they are able to thrive, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these grants have in supporting young people in our communities.”