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GippSport gets $849,930 to support young disengaged Gippslanders from federal government's Safer Communities Fund

A program to support disengaged young people has received a funding boost thanks to the Federal Government.

By news@gippsland - 15th March 2022 - Back to News

Local MP Darren Chester announced that GippSport had received $849,930 for the Gen-G on the go program through the Federal Government's Safer Communities Fund. "This program is designed to support young Gippslanders who are disengaged from the community and help them get involved in sports and art activities," Mr Chester said.

Local MP Darren Chester with (L-R) Sandy Hegarty, Executive Officer, Latrobe Youth Space, Farhat Firdous, Strategic Engagement Coordinator, Latrobe Community Health Service, Aisha Alim, United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, Dan Poynton, Executive Officer, GippSport, Den Lim, Community Programs Coordinator, GippSport and Julia Rovery, Project Officer, Centre for Multicultural Youth

Boost community morale

Mr Chester said, "It will also provide additional support with literacy skills and how to be involved in the local community and help boost community morale. This intervention will help keep young Gippslanders at risk away from the criminal justice system and help them to feel more included in their local communities."

Dan Poynton, Executive Officer of GippSport said that the program was in collaboration with other community organisations. "GippSport is working closely with United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Susan Plowright Ethical Capabilities Consulting and Latrobe Community Health Service to deliver this program."

Engaging young Gippslanders

Mr Poynton said, "Multiple organisations working together ensures that we are targeting the right groups in our local community and engaging with young Gippslanders who otherwise might not be involved in local sporting or cultural events. The program will run weekly and cater to the needs and wants of the group of young people, including:

• After school activities
• Street games pop-ups
• Sport and arts activities and arts clubs

"The program will conclude with youth-led community events to share the participants' achievements and contributions. GippSport and all the partners are looking forward to engaging with young Gippslanders and creating a more inclusive community feel for them all." My Poynton said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com