The Youth Foundations Victoria project which began at the Craig Family Centre in July 2008 is now in full swing.

Youth Foundations Victoria (YFV) – Ashburton/Ashwood/Chadstone (AAC) is an exciting new initiative run by young people, for young people in the three suburbs of Ashburton, Ashwood and Chadstone. Young people will now have a real chance to have their say in a Victorian Government & Bendigo Bank project that lets young people decide where community resources should be allocated.

A Young People’s Action Committee (YPAC) has recently been formed, which is made up of young people aged 12-25 years who either live, go to school, or recreate in the three suburbs of Ashburton, Ashwood and Chadstone.
The YPAC has been meeting regularly and are currently undertaking research and community mapping of the local area, and are also engaging in training and skill development.

The YFV project gives local young people the opportunity to get involved in their community whilst also developing their personal skills. A YPAC member states the benefits of being involved in the YFV AAC project: “I have derived immense satisfaction from knowing that I can and will make a real difference in the community through the YFV AAC project, and that I can take on a role which is extremely important, both with regard to the community as a whole, and for my own personal growth.”

The YPAC will be working together over the next few months to identify the needs of local young people, and work out priority areas which the Youth Foundation can give grants of up to $2,000 to youth-led activities. A grant round will be open during April and May of 2009, and the YPAC will be hoping local youth groups will apply for the funds to hold exciting and innovative activities/projects which will benefit local young people.

A local Ashwood YPAC member states: “It is my wish that the project will bring young people together, create connections and unify the community. With our contribution and the contribution of others, it is hoped that one day, Ashburton, Ashwood, and Chadstone will become suburbs that are the envy of the world!”

For any young people who are interested in being involved in the YFV project or for youth groups who are seeking to apply for the YFV grants,

please contact, Verity Nicholson, Facilitator of Youth Foundations Victoria – Ashburton, Ashwood, Chadstone on 9885 7789 or 0404 116 130 or email: youth.services@craigfc.org.au