Colac Otway Budget Consultation Open
3rd January, 2025
Young people in Colac Otway will continue to enjoy a range of entertainment and training opportunities after Council successfully secured three years of Engage! funding.
Colac Otway Shire Council will receive $170,000 through the Victorian Government’s Engage! 2025-2027 program, which aims to support the skills and creativity of local young people aged 12-25 and inspire the next generation of leaders.
The funding will support programs that strengthen and assist young people, with a focus on fostering leadership and youth empowerment through education and various activities ranging from music and arts to job training and life skills.
The program will empower young people to co-design, plan and deliver a wide range of activities that build skills, confidence, and encourage creativity.
Community and Economy General Manager Ian Seuren said Council was thrilled to continue working with young people to offer a vibrant array of entertaining, engaging and skill-building activities.
“Young people will be central to the decision-making process, collaborating with expert mentors to bring a wide range of events and opportunities to their peers,” Mr Seuren said.
“This will bring ongoing benefits, engaging young people in social activities while building their skills for their future careers,” he said.
Activities will cater to local young people across a variety of interest areas.
Council’s Youth Engagement team recently visited schools and invited feedback through an online survey, asking young people about what youth activities, events and opportunities they would like to see for youth in Colac Otway.
“Young people asked for a range of activities to create meaningful social connections outside of school hours, we are planning a range of activities large and small, catering to the diverse interests and aspirations of our young people,” Mr Seuren said.
“The Engage! program will aim to increase participation of young people to develop skills, social connection and confidence,” he said.
Youth Engagement Project Officer Chelsea Sharp said the funding would allow the council to build on a successful program of youth engagement.
“It’s been great to see Colac Otway youth engaged in our activities in 2024, and we’re excited to work with the shire’s young people to offer more programs that they love,” she said.
See the Victorian government media release on the grants.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400