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Latrobe Valley Ladder Step Up program celebrates fourth year getting young people engaged in education, training and employment

Over the past four years, Ladder program participants have achieved outstanding outcomes, re-engaged in education, employment, and training.

By news@gippsland - 5th May 2022 - Back to News

More than 4 in 5 young people have re-engaged in education, employment, and training, following participation in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley program, an evaluation of the program over a four-year period has revealed.This coincides with the Victorian government announcement that the program will receive an additional 12-month funding to continue supporting more young people in the local community.

Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley program graduate Sarah is working two jobs and is currently looking at entering TAFE

Training and employment

The Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Impact Report 2022 was launched at a community event in Morwell today and found that since 2018, more than 178 young people across eighteen programs have been successfully supported to identify, engage in and sustain education, training and employment.

Post program, 83% of participants are engaged in education, employment, or training, 90% of program participants are more independent, 90% of program participants are more connected to their community, 85% of program participants have improved their physical health and 100% of program participants would recommend the program to a friend.

Program graduates

Sarah believes the program helped her with her confidence and self-worth and has made her the person she is today. "[It] gave me confidence. I was very shy and couldn't speak for myself when I joined the program," she said.

Simone, another recent program graduate entered the program as a shy, reserved young person looking to return to school and find employment. Through her hard work, commitment, and support from the Ladder team, Simone returned to school and is currently participating in a traineeship with A Kinder Cup, Morwell Neighbourhood House's social enterprise cafe.

"I'm also thankful to the Ladder Program for being such a positive thing in my life, and for continuing to provide me with opportunities even after I finished the program," Simone said. The Ladder Step Up program received renewed funding as part of a $7.5 million package in the Victorian Budget 2022/23, that will allow the program to continue providing education, employment, and training support for young people in the Latrobe Valley.

Gaining confidence and skills

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "Over the last four years, I have seen the real and incredibly positive impact the program has had on young people across the Valley. It's quite literally changing lives."

"Every single graduate has not only gained confidence and skills, but has also become a role model for others to do the same - I can't wait to see our graduates continue to thrive, and for more participants to make their mark into the future." Ms Shing said.

Working with organisations

Ladder CEO Stephanie De Campo said, "We would like to thank the Victorian government and the Latrobe Valley Authority for its continued and meaningful support. It's clear the program is achieving what it set out to do and the organisation is immensely proud of the young people's achievements."

"The success of the program can largely be attributed to a whole community approach. We feel privileged to have worked alongside over 130 organisations and 31 referral partners who have supported the program and enabled us to provide engaging and holistic support to program participants."

"I would like to acknowledge the young people whose achievements have been nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing complex and ongoing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the young people showed unbelievable strength, resilience and optimism during this time." Ms De Campo said.

Pictures from Ladder Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Baw Baw Shire Council celebrates Tania McLeish, Anne Skinner and Belinda Watts-Keeley induction to Sporting Walk of Fame
  Acknowledging gender equality achievement of men and women through sports.
• Nominations open to for young people for 2022 Youth Council in Wellington Shire
  Wellington Shire Council is calling on young people who want to have a greater say and help build a strong and inclusive community, to nominate for 2022 Youth Council.
• Two long years since Andrew Labor government flagged intention to establish Stolen Generations Reparations package
  Victoria has today announced details of a Stolen Generations redress scheme.
• Ellinbank Badminton Club celebrates funded upgrades to clubrooms and kitchen facilities at 75th anniversary
  Members of the Ellinbank Badminton Club and local community have gathered to officially unveil upgrades to the clubrooms and kitchen facilities in concert with the club's milestone 75th anniversary celebrations.
• Gippsland arts, cultural and heritage organisations can apply for grants from federal CHART program to support rebuilding and preservation
  Government continues to deliver record support to the creative and cultural sector, with 47 new projects.
• Authors Heather Morris and Lorraine Smith to present at Latrobe City libraries
  Latrobe City Libraries will host two author talks in February, including a return to in-person events.
• Baw baw Shire Council set to continue chemical free maintenance program across open space areas
  Council will continue chemical free park maintenance across three open space areas, Hearn Street Park in Drouin, Queen Street Park in Warragul, and McGregor Park in Trafalgar.
• Murray Street and Biggs Drive intersection upgrade gets $650,000 funding from Blackspot Program 2021/22 and Growing Suburbs Fund
  Bass Coast Shire Council is continuing to Unlock Opportunities in Wonthaggi, with significant pedestrian safety upgrade works on the intersection of Murray Street and Biggs Drive about to get underway.
• More than $110,000 funding goes to community groups via Community Assistance Grants program from Wellington Shire Council
  Wellington Shire Council this week approved more than $110,000 in funding to local community groups for events, projects and facilities, through its Community Assistance Grants program.
• Morwell Foodbank hub at standstill after four years of promises from Andrews Labor government
  Lack of updates and communications with the Latrobe Valley community with regards to the promised Morwell Foodbank Hub, community seeks more information about the Morwell Foodbank Hub
• Proposals and ideas wanted on how to best use federal funding from 'Local Jobs Program' for Gippsland
  Support program on improving jobseeker skills and employment pathways.
• Bairnsdale Airport gets $340,000 grant for water main upgrade from federal Regional Airports Program and East Gippsland Shire Council
  Work is underway at Bairnsdale Airport to replace the site's ageing water mains.
• Wurruk development four-year strategic plan adopted by Wellington Shire Council to help address acute housing shortage
  Council today took the first step to address Wellington's acute housing shortage, paving the way to facilitate the development of around 1600 new housing lots.
• Federal funding boost to upgrade Traralgon-Maffra road across Latrobe City and Wellington Shire
  Major upgrades for road improvements and driver's safety.
• Mallacoota Pony Club getting ready to resume operations using $296,000 grant from federal Local Economic Recovery program
  Local MP Darren Chester has congratulated members of the Mallacoota Pony Club for getting work underway to resume operations.
• Federal government' Financial Assistance Grant 2021-22 second payment for Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe City and South Gippsland Shire Councils
  Local governments in Monash have received their second 2021-22 quarterly payment through the Federal Government's Financial Assistance Grant program.
• Turning projects and ideas through the Community Collaboration Program in Wellington Shire
  Community is encouraged to share their ideas for community events, activities and projects.
• Leadership training providers in West and South Gippsland needed to apply for federal Building Resilient Regional Leaders Initiative pilot program
  Applications for funding to support current and emerging regional leaders to develop leadership and resilience skills are now open,eligible training providers are encouraged to send their applications for the grant.
• Lake Guyatt Environmental Education Centre with $650,000 construction grant from Wellington Shire Council
  Construction is underway on the Lake Guyatt Environmental Education Centre, a new space for events and learning programs with a focus on sustainability and culture.
• Victorians getting sicker as Andrews Labor Government fails to meet key finding from Mental Health Royal Commission
  Victorians are getting sicker while the Andrews Labor Government fails to meet a key finding from the Mental Health Royal Commission, more than three years since it was delivered.
• Paint Baw Baw REaD Early Years Expo at West Gippsland Arts Centre with author Valerie Jarred on 21 May
  The Baw Baw Egg and the short story have been travelling throughout the Shire, visiting local primary schools, kindergartens and libraries to share the story with Baw Baw youngsters.
• Morwell Centenary Rose Garden greatly improved by Friends of Garden with funding from Latrobe City Council and Advance Morwell
  Morwell Centenary Rose Garden receiving and appreciating funding support from the council to complete the installation of permanent bricks edging around garden beds.
• Traralgon flood recovery pop-up support for Latrobe City Council
  Adjusting to life in the wake of disaster will be the subject of a free pop-up flood recovery session in Traralgon this month.
• Kellie O'Callaghan elected as Mayor and Dan Clancey as Deputy Mayor for Latrobe City Council in 2021/22
  New Mayor and Deputy Mayor have been elected.
• Young Archie 2021 exhibition now open at Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale
  Gippslanders will get a unique first look at Australia's oldest and most prestigious art award when the Archibald Prize opens in Sale next week.
• Support for senior vocational education students (VET) from Andrews Labor government
  The Victorian Government is making sure every secondary school student whose Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies have been disrupted by the pandemic will receive extra support to complete their certificates.
• Childcare should be first stage of education but government policy is making it unaffordable to most families
  Making childcare as the first stage of education, stimulating the educational environment and the educational providers.
• Sell-out crowd at West Gippsland Art Centre celebrates International Women's Day in Baw Baw Shire
  A sell-out crowd descended on the West Gippsland Art Centre on Tuesday 8 March to celebrate International Women's Day 2022.
• Call to federal government to extend funding for the HeadtoHelp (H2H) program in Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is calling on the Federal Government to extend funding for the HeadtoHelp (H2H) program in Gippsland.
• West and South Gippsland Shire Councils get $5.6M from federal Financial Assistance Grant program 2021-22 Q3 payment
  Local governments in Monash have received their third 2021-22 quarterly payment through the federal government's financial assistance Grant program.
• Draft statement of planning policy submitted by Bass Coast Shire Council for Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program from Victorian government
  Bass Coast Shire Council will lodge a submission with the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) on the draft Statement of Planning Policy, outlining its concerns.
• Celebrating a million ways to be a woman online part of International Women's Day from Latrobe City Council
  As part of International Women's Day, Latrobe City Council is encouraging the community to join in celebrating the contribution of women across the municipality.
• Russell Northe questions parliament over homeless crisis in Latrobe Valley
  Mr Northe and his office had been contacted by countless people who were either homeless or at grave risk of homelessness with the situation seemingly more prevalent than ever right now.
• People with an eating disorder to get more support with $20M funding from Victorian government
  More Victorians living with an eating disorder will receive the support they need to recover and live happy, healthy lives, thanks to record investment from the Andrews Labor government.
• Community feedback wanted on proposed sale of Hazelwood House in Churchill to Quantum Support Services by Latrobe City Council
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on a proposal to sell Hazelwood House in Churchill.
• Mallacoota Bowls Club gets $85,000 grant from federal Black Summer Bushfires program for new greens
  Mallacoota Bowls Club volunteers are celebrating an $85,000 win with a Federal Government grant to help replace synthetic greens damaged in the Black Summer bushfires.
• Push and FReeZA team up to bring Australia's finest young musicians to Bruthen Inn Hotel on 26 March 2022
  Youth music organisation The Push and youth development program FReeZA have teamed up to bring some of Australia's finest young musicians to Bruthen for the second last show tour which provides live music for younger audience.
• Bairnsdale residents getting improved access to Centrelink and Medicare services
  Bairnsdale residents will have improved access to Centrelink and Medicare services when the Services Australia Service Centre in Bairnsdale undergoes an upgrade.
• Free outdoor activities start for people of all ages across Baw Baw as part of 'Watch this Space' program
  Destinations across Baw Baw Shire are being transformed into vibrant pop-up dining, activity and multi-use entertainment spaces offering a feast of free events for people of all ages to enjoy.
• Over 200 people attend Saturday Australia Day Celebrations at Nowa Nowa Recreation Reserve
  Australia Day Celebrations hosted by East Gippsland Shire Council the shire-wide awards tapped into the Australia Day theme of "We're all part of the story - reflect, respect, celebrate".
• Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium starts 2022 with over twelve major events to boost tourism for Latrobe City
  Latrobe City started the year in style with a baker's dozen of big events bringing in significant visitation and tourism dollars throughout the municipality.
• Pandemic frightens people but that should not stop us asking any questions like if vaccine mandates are effective and what alternative treatments are there
  Thoughts and questions about the mandatory vaccinations and vaccine passports.
• Emergency services personnel denied COVID-19 vaccine priority in Latrobe Valley
  Emergency services workers removed from vaccine priority list in Victoria by the Andrews Government.
• Upgrades and specialist equipment for Gippsland early childhood education centres via Victorian government Building Blocks Inclusion fund
  Upgrades to early childhood education centres and specialist equipment to help improve learning outcomes.
• Two representatives for Lake Guyatt Environmental Education Centre Advisory Committee in Wellington Shire
  Wellington Shire Council is seeking two people to represent the community on the Lake Guyatt Environmental Education Centre Advisory Committee.
• Thousands of people at MCG honour and bid farewell to cricket legend Shane Warne
  Knowing Shane Warne behind cricket, a memorial service.
• Free adaptable community training in South Gippsland to recover from challenges of 2020
  Free workshops for the community to join to help their organisations for more success.
• Rapid COVID-19 testing key for getting regional and Gippsland VLine trains back on track
  Lengthy shutdown to Victoria's regional train network is driving a push for rapid testing to be rolled out for staff across the public transport network.
• Health Advocate Jane Anderson re-appointed by state government to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Latrobe Valley
  The Victorian Government is ensuring the right leadership is in place to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Latrobe Valley.
• Writing competition calls for fiction about Latrobe City
  Writing competition that would that tells about the past, present and the people of the city.
• More than 800 Victorian families who lost loved ones last year would not agree with Andrews Labor Government COVID response triumph claim
  In a Labor-aligned podcast over the weekend, Daniel Andrews bragged Victoria's COVID response should be celebrated as a "triumph".
• Stallholders sought for Children's Expo for Latrobe City
  An event inviting the stallholders to come and join the expo for the kids, with many services and activities for them to enjoy
• Vexatious court claims closes timber coupe for training Victorian essential service personnel at TAFE Gippsland
  Timber coupe being used by TAFE Gippsland for training Victorian essential service personnel has been targeted by vexatious court claims resulting in its closure.
• Continuing lockdown impact on youth mental health contradicts Andrews Labor claims that post-COVID support programs not needed
  Dire and ongoing impacts of lockdown on youth mental health exposed in another report today have raised more questions on Labor's claim post-COVID support programs are 'no longer required'.
• Restarting arts festivals in West and South Gippsland with Festivals Australia federal program
  Program that supports community participation in, and access to, the arts experience at a festival.
• Youth-specific rehabilitation facility on Northern Avenue in Traralgon officially opened as part of Victorian Ice Action Plan
  Latrobe Valley and Gippsland youth to get the alcohol and drugs rehabilitation support they need through Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA).
• Russell Northe encourages community support for Gippsland hospice at Churchill in Latrobe Valley
  Online petition for state government to consider and explore opportunities to build a hospice in the local community.
• Glengarry Mechanics Institute $250,000 upgrades funded from federal Drought Communities Program completed
  Upgrade works for the Glengarry Mechanics' Institute has been completed making the hall more user friendly for community events and celebrations.
• Green light for Australia Day celebrations to go ahead in Latrobe City
  Celebrations of culture, community and connectedness will go ahead on Australia Day at venues across Latrobe City.
• Gippsland Performing Arts Centre officially opened by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas as centerpiece of the $42M Latrobe Creative Precinct
  The much-anticipated Gippsland Performing Arts Centre has opened its doors to the public, with the state-of-the-art space to become a drawcard for locals and visitors bringing top acts to the region.
• Warragul Cinemas gets a $60,000 grant from 'Supporting Cinemas' Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) federal program
  Government program that aims to support independent cinema operators who have experienced significant declines in revenue due to COVID-19.
• Youth Life4Life having crew induction for Year 9 students in South Gippsland
  On Wednesday 22 June, approximately 50 students from seven local schools attended the Youth Live4Life Crew Induction.
• Australia day awards for 2020 nominations open for people that have gone above and beyond in South Gippsland Shire
  Nominations are now open for the South Gippsland Australia Day Awards.
• Free work life balance workshop for people who work non-traditional hours to be held in Toora
  Gambling free event to go to in your spare time.
• Veteran health and wellbeing funding via 'Supporting Younger Veterans' grant for West and South Gippsland
  Grants offered for the support to our young veterans mental health and wellbeing.
• The Disability Gateway is new one-stop shop for support to people in Gippsland with a disability
  People with disability can now access support team which includes information, programs and support available.
• Wellington Shire Council will only allow fully vaccinated people into its buildings post COVID-19 vaccination target
  How people interact with Wellington Shire Council services will change in coming days when Victoria meets its 80% Covid-19 vaccination target.
• Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (TRRCR) transformed from barren paddock to historic gem in Latrobe City
  Over the past 30 years the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (TRRCR) has been transformed from a barren grazing paddock forgotten by time into an historic gem of Latrobe City.
• Delburn Wind Farm proposal seeks approval for 33 turbine wind energy facility in in the Strzelecki Ranges to south of Latrobe Valley
  The Delburn Wind Farm Pty Ltd seeks approval to develop a 33-turbine wind energy facility located in south-east Victoria, in the Strzelecki Ranges, to the south of the Latrobe Valley.
• New Maryvale Mill Energy from Waste Facility will add local jobs from federal government's $48.2M investment through Modern Manufacturing Initiative program
  Latrobe City Council welcomes the federal government's commitment of $48.2 million to the energy from waste facility at the Maryvale Mill through the Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
• Call for Gippsland schools, community organisations and sporting clubs to apply for grants to increase shade from sun via state government sunshade program
  Government program to better protect the community while having their time outdoors.
• Community feedback for Traralgon Recreation Reserve and Showgrounds and Glenview Park precincts masterplans from Latrobe City Council
  Council has developed masterplans to redevelop the TRR&S and create a new community and events hub at Glenview park.
• Cowes Cultural and Community Centre gets $5M federal funding from Building Better Regions Program
  Federal Government's Building Better Regions Program, for the construction of the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre.
• Gippsland lifesaver Barrie Smith of Seaspray and Alpine First Aid and Training recognised in Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence
  Local lifesavers and facilities from the Gippsland region have been recognised in Life Saving Victoria's (LSV's) 2021 Awards of Excellence.
• Calls for more caution after four people drown in Victoria at beginning of 2022
  Water safety authorities are warning everyone to be smart and safe around the water to avoid turning holidays into casualties.
• Sarsfield community victims of Black Summer bushfires warn people affected NSW and Queensland recent floods of long journey to recovery
  Ineffective response to major flood events may lead to public discontent or loss of trust in the authorities or the state and national governments.
• Family Day Care from Baw Baw Shire Council wins National Service of the Year at Excellence Awards in Canberra
  Baw Baw Shire Council's renowned Family Day Care service has been recognised as the National Service of the Year at the Family Day Care Australia Excellence in Family Day Care Awards in Canberra.
• Glengarry Mechanics Institute officially re-opens after $557,074 refurbished funded by federal and Victorian governments
  Latrobe City Council in partnership with Member for Gippsland Darren Chester MP, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP and the Latrobe Valley Authority officially opened the refurbished Glengarry Mechanics Institute yesterday.
• Refusal to support immediate reforms on mental health and wellbeing boost for young Victorians by Andrews Labor government
  A plan to boost youth mental health services by 2026 is years too late for children who are suffering right now and could benefit from other immediate reforms that the Andrews Labor government has refused to support.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures $100,000 for Buln Buln Cricket Practice Net upgrades through Community Cricket Program 2021-22
  Practice nets at Buln Buln Recreation Reserve will soon be upgraded after Baw Baw Shire Council successfully obtained a State Government grant to support the project.
• East Gippsland's three hospitals and council urge people to get vaccinated in the fight against COVID-19
  Council encouraging everyone in the community to get vaccinated.
• Maffra Play Precinct gets $320,000 upgrade from federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program
  Young people in Maffra have an exciting new way to keep active with the completion of the Maffra Play Precinct.
• Further $10 million allocation to upgrade and replace bridges in Australia through federal government's Bridges Renewal Program (BRP)
  More bridges in Gippsland will be eligible to be replaced as part of the Federal Government's Bridges Renewal Program (BRP).
• Lorraine Warford hangs up her stop sign as school crossing supervisor after 25 years service in Bairnsdale
  Bairnsdale 754 Primary School is about to say farewell to its much-loved school crossing supervisor, Lorraine Warford, who is hanging up her stop sign on Friday after 25 years of looking after young students.
• Roadside blackberry weed control for Macalister Irrigation District, Gippsland Lakes and Dargo areas in Wellington Shire
  Program that reduces the spread of blackberry on the roadsides of Wellington Shire to protect the agricultural resources.
• East Gippslanders dismayed by bushfire recovery grants program
  Council disappointment on the recovery grants for bush fire damages, requesting urgent review on bush fire recovery funding allocation for Gippsland.
• Sarsfield community ecstatic after Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce funds new community hall, playground and other infrastructure from Community Development Grants Program
  The East Gippsland community of Sarsfield celebrates the announcement of receiving funds under the Community Development Grants Program to construct new infrastructures.