Community & Business
19 May, 2024
Projects focus on rural youth
PROJECTS that will enhance services for youth living in regional and rural areas may attract funding under the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) grants program.
FRRR is encouraging not-for-profit organisations in rural communities to work with local young people to adopt or adapt one of the six project ideas developed at this year’s ABC Heywire Youth Summit.
The ideas emerged in response to the concerns identified as being most current and critical for youth in remote, rural and regional Australia.
Funded through the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants program, grants of up to $10,000 are available to kickstart initiatives that promote equitable access to local services and foster a sense of belonging and connection to peers and to the land.
The six ideas developed by the 35 young summit participants during the week-long youth leadership and skills development event are:
• Bussin’: How might we create more accessible transport options for young people in regional and rural communities?
• MEE (Mentoring Educating Empowering): How might we close the gap in accessing quality education for young people in regional, rural and remote communities?
• A Place for You: How might we improve accessibility to mental health services in remote and regional areas of Australia?
• The Bigger Picture: How can we empower young people in regional towns to celebrate their differences and foster connection among themselves?
• Safe Sphere: How might we ensure that young people in regional and remote communities receive relevant and comprehensive sexual education?
• Youth 2 Grassroots: How might we promote a stronger connection between individuals and their land by fostering a culture of environmental protection and stewardship?
There is $100,000 in funding available nationally, thanks to the support of The Sally Foundation, David Mactaggart Foundation and private donors. An additional $17,500 is also available to fund projects in Queensland, thanks to The John Villiers Trust. Applications are open until 5pm on 29 May and recipients will be announced in August. Go to www.frrr.org.au/heywire-youth-innovation-grants
