A Goulburn Valley Aboriginal organisation will receive a grant from the Marram Nganyin Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program funded by the Allan Labor Government.

Designed and delivered by First Nations Victorians and tailored to the needs of young Aboriginal people, the program is funded through the $23.4 million Investing Early Where It Matters investment package in the Victorian Budget 2023-24.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said this latest round of grants of up to $335,000 over three years reflects the Allan Labor Government’s unwavering support for Aboriginal self-determination.

Rumbalara Football and Netball Club is one of five Victorian organisations that has been funded to provide mentoring programs for Aboriginal young people in the region, with the support of the Koorie Youth Council, Victoria’s representative body for young Aboriginal people

Marram Nganyin translates to ‘we are strong’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People.

This mentoring program will provide social and practical support for young Aboriginal people to strengthen their family and community relationships, learn about culture, and engage with education, training, and employment.

Marram Nganyin has supported 300 young Aboriginal people since 2016 with flexible place-based mentoring programs providing tailored support to reflect the diversity of Aboriginal communities across Victoria.

Quote attributable to Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman

“Aboriginal-led organisations understand the needs of Aboriginal young Victorians, and this funding gives these groups the support they need to engage young people with both their community and Country.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“Programs such as this are of enormous benefit to the young Aboriginal people in our community, and I am proud to be part of a Government that is investing in programs that support First-nations young people to achieve their goals.”