Mornington Island youth will have the opportunity to strengthen their cultural identity and explore their goals and aspirations with more than $850,000 supporting three activities over two years.
Funding from the Aboriginal Advancement Strategy will make it possible to carry out a Carrefour jeunesse activity ($370,000), an Engage Life and Learning activity ($280,000) and an On Country activity ($206,440).
Guided by the Council’s five-year implementation plan, activities will focus on education, engagement and culture, and provide a platform for young people to share their stories, identify their goals and provide ongoing support and pathways to achieve them.
They have the added benefit of creating local jobs, with more youth support workers carrying out the activities.
It is important to note that the activities will be designed with elders and youth to ensure that the programs are well executed and that there is a real sense of belonging towards them.
Youth activities are expected to begin later this year once detailed plans are finalized.
Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:
“Engaging young people to build their confidence and sense of self and community has many positive effects on their lives.
“These programs will help them learn about and care for their country, as well as live and work effectively with each other.
“They will provide rich opportunities for young people to learn from their elders, creating a strong future for the Mornington Island community.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor Yanner:
“Our young people are our future, and the future has started to shine a little brighter for the children of Mornington Island.
“These activities are going to be so powerful in bringing Elders and youth together, sharing traditional knowledge about bush food and sacred places, for the benefit of the whole community.
“Co-design is at the forefront of what we do. These activities will belong to our community, so I am confident that we will not only provide what is needed, but also what will be engaged and give us the positive results we seek.
