Moorabool council will urge the state government to not cut funding to the Youth Engagement Support (YES) program.
During a meeting on August 7, councillor Rod Ward moved an item of urgent business to write to Children’s Minister Lizzie Blandthorn, Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman, and Eureka MP Michaela Settle to reverse their decision to cancel the program.
The YES program is run by council using funds from empower youth program.
Cr Ward said council had received an “impassioned” plea from a participant in the program to avoid undoing significant groundwork in the space.
“[She] talked about how it fostered a sense of community and reengaged [kids] with education and employment,” he said.
“The termination of the program, in her own words, could lead to an increase in youth crime, disengagement, and reversing the progress made in the last few years.”
The YES program is run by Moorabool council and is possible through funding from the state governments Empower Youth Program.
As it stands, YES will finish in December this year, an unfortunate result which will risk the health and wellbeing of teens who need support.
“It’s devastating to think a program that has brought so much benefit to our community could be taken away,” Cr Ward said.
Ms Settle said the government was delivering “a range of programs” in Moorabool to help “young people grow.”
“Grants for the 2025-27 round of the Engage! program are now open and I encourage Moorabool Shire Council to submit an application,” she said.
“We’re also recognising the contribution and achievements of young people through our Victorian Youth Fest celebration in September. I look forward to supporting our local young people at the Youth Creators & Makers Market in Bacchus Marsh.”
A state government spokesperson said a raft of services were available to organisations and councils to apply for.
“We continue to support young people facing challenges through the Advance, Engage!, FReeZA and Youth Fest programs, all of which are delivered across Victoria,” the spokesperson said.
“These programs provide opportunities for young people to expand their skills, gain mentoring and leadership experience, expand their networks and support for youth-led projects and events.
The spokesperson said the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing was working with Moorabool council to ensure continued support for young people.
