14 Feb 2018 McIvor Times, Heathcote VIC (General News) YOUNG people from the Mitchell Shire will have more opportunities to actively participate in and connect with their local community, thanks to almost $2 million in State Government funding. Eighteen organisations in Northern Victoria will share in $1,945,000 in grants for projects that will support young people aged between 12 and 25. Labor Upper House Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the organisations join 107 local government and community organisations across the state to share in the $12.3 million Engage! 2018-20 program. Engage! helps young people to strengthen their education, training and employment pathways, and improve their health and wellbeing. Young people are a key part of developing and delivering Engage! projects, which are aimed at a diversity of youth, including Aboriginal young people, young people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI young people, young people with disabilities and young people living in country Victoria. Engage! supports the Labor Governments ongoing commitment to better connect young people with their communities, as outlined in the Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement. These projects gives our youth the hands-on experiences they need to achieve their personal and professional goals and I encourage more young people to get involved, Ms Symes said. The Mitchell Shire received $90,000 to be put towards Mitchell Youth Engagement programs. The program will provide a safe, secure and staffed environment to deliverprograms to improve the wellbeing of young people in Mitchell.Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.