SYKES – NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK GRANTS

Bill Sykes, the Nationals Member for Benalla, advises the National Youth Week 2006 Grants are now open for applications.

Dr Sykes said “National Youth Week from 1-9 April 2006 is a celebration of young people. It is a week to specifically recognise the young members of our community.”

“National Youth Week Grants are available to support local projects, events and activities. These celebrations are to be organised by groups of young people, for young people, and Victorian youth will be involved in assessing the grant applications.”

“I encourage young people of the Benalla Electorate, with the support of their local councils, not-for-profit organisations or their schools, to apply for grants of up to $5,000.00 for National Youth Week projects,” Dr Sykes continued.

“The Benalla Electorate has been successful in obtaining grants through this program in the past. Last year Benalla was successful in obtaining a grant for the “Get Out There Awards”, Bright received a grant for the skate park, and the Wangaratta Rural City was able to hold video, slide and photography workshops.”

“Prior to 2005 National Youth Week Grants were awarded to the Shire of Strathbogie for theatre, storytelling and publishing workshops as well as short film and music workshops, and Marion College in Myrtleford for musical performances. Mansfield was able to landscape the skate park and Mt Beauty received a grant to hold a skateboarding competition.”

“This is a great initiative of the Department of Victorian Communities’ Office for Youth along with VicHealth.”

Applications for National Youth Week 2006 Grants are open until 4 November 2005. For Grants guidelines and application forms please visit www.grants.dvc.vic.gov.au, or contact Bill Sykes’ office on 5762 2100 or visit 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989