Youth Foundations Victoria – YAAC (Youth in Ashburton, Ashwood and Chadstone) is a committee of young people who meet fortnightly to learn new skills, receive training, investigate the needs of local young people, speak out on behalf of local youth, grant out money to local groups and, most importantly, have fun!!

The group is made up of local youth aged from 12 - 25 from a diverse range of backgrounds; a great part of the project is that all major decisions in the project are made by young people. This project is a partnership program between the State Government and the Bendigo Bank.

YAAC looks to fund youth led initiatives in Ashburton, Ashwood and Chadstone. The projects must be for the benefit of youth and have a charitable purpose. Groups can apply for up to $2,000 in funding.

An example of a project funded was the ‘C.T By Design’ project, which engaged young people to develop & grow skills in the area of arts. A local artist worked with the youth to make a mural. This required teamwork from the young people, as well as learning to appreciate each other's abilities.
Another project funded was called ‘Together Through Sports’ which was run by SEEAC. This was a grant to run an event to provide opportunities for youth from migrant and refugee backgrounds to participate in an indoor sports tournament and a series of 'theatre sports' activities. The day was organised by youth who were given training in the leadership skills needed to run the event, the day promoted connectedness and understanding in the community.

For more info about joining the project or applying for funding
please contact the facilitator, Kate on 9885 7789, 0404 116 130 or at
youth.services@craigfc.org.au