January 17th, 2025$120,000 grant for local youth program expansion in Hepburn shire
Hepburn Shire Council has been awarded a $120,000 state government grant to support OCTAVE youth events in the community.
To be delivered over the next three years, the funding will enable the continuation and expansion of the OCTAVE program, which engages young people in meaningful activities aimed at fostering leadership, skill development, and community engagement.
The OCTAVE program focuses on empowering youth to lead their own projects. Through hands-on experience in event management, participants gain practical skills, self-confidence, and the opportunity to actively contribute to their communities.
Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said the grant was a fantastic opportunity to further invest in young people and give them the tools they needed to become leaders in their own right.
“By providing young people with the opportunity to plan and deliver events, we are supporting their growth, building stronger community connections, and ensuring a vibrant future for our shire,” he said.
The program will also offer inclusive social youth events, such as pool parties, skate competitions, live band performances and open mic nights.
The OCTAVE program has already had a significant impact, giving young people the chance to participate and make a difference in the shire.
This new funding will help broaden the scope of future events, with five new events and one skill development workshop per year.
In the council’s Youth Strategy consultation in 2021, 31 per cent of the population aged 10-24 were surveyed, providing key insights into their interests and needs.
A significant proportion of young people, especially those aged 10-14, expressed a strong interest in music and social activities.
Specifically, 47 per cent of 10–14-year- olds said they enjoyed music, and 69 per cent reported that they enjoyed spending time with friends outside of school.
“Council is dedicated to supporting the health, wellbeing, and development of its young people. By focusing on youth engagement, leadership, and skill-building, the council continues to work towards a prosperous and inclusive future for the region,” Cr Henderson said.
