GIPPSPORT’S Gen-G on the go program has received funding from the federal government.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester announced that GippSport had received more than $845,000 from the federal government’s Safer Communities Fund.
Mr Chester said the new program is designed to support young people in Gippsland who are disengaged from the community and help them get involved in sports and arts activities.
“It will also provide additional support with literacy skills and how to be involved in the local community and help boost community morale,” he said.
“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.”
The program will run across all six Gippsland local government areas.
GippSport executive officer Dan Poynton said the organisation has worked closely on delivering the program with United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Susan Plowright Ethical Capabilities Consulting and Latrobe Community Health Service.
“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.”
Mr Poynton said the grant is funding all aspects of the program.
“Funding will be utilised to employ some place based coordinators to facilitate the program,” he said.
“All activities that will be delivered will be fully subsidised by the grant.
“So young people will be able to access the development programs, recreation programs at no cost. There will also be fully funded leadership & development retreats & camps.”
Mr Poynton said the program will run weekly and plans to cater to the needs of young people.
It will include after school activities, Streetgames 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,” he said.
“GippSport and all the partners are looking forward to engaging with young Gippslanders and creating a more inclusive community feel for them all.”
