June 15th, 2023This year’s youth fest grant recipients announced

Some innovative local youth-led events and activities are on the cards in coming months with a several successful Victorian Youth Fest grant recipients in Macedon Ranges Shire announced among those set to share in over $200,000 total state funding.

Victorian Youth Fest is a month-long celebration in September, which provides grants of up to $2,000
to eligible organisations to host events, led by and for young people aged between 12 and 25. It
provides opportunities to showcase talents, grow networks and to connect with peers.
Successful recipients in the Macedon Ranges include:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council: Art Space
Part activation, part exhibition, Art Space is a concept connecting young people in the Macedon
Ranges through the unique tapestry of rural life – focusing on challenging societal bias and stereotypes
of youth mental health. An art exhibition, workshops and an interactive live art event will be delivered
in the first week of the term three school holidays. The program will be shaped by youth leaders
involved in the Macedon Ranges Live4Life Program.
Woodend Neighbourhood House: Woodend x Level-Up
Woodend Neighbourhood House will provide an inclusive youth-focused event in partnership with
Macedon Ranges Shire Council youth team and Level-Up Gaming Events during Youth Fest 2023 to
bring young people between the ages of 12-25 together. The event will use gaming activities to help
break down stigma associated with social isolation.
Applications supporting regional and rural events, and underrepresented community groups were
prioritised through the Youth Fest program.
Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon: “We’re so proud to support local young people in the Macedon Ranges to lead the design and delivery of events and activitiesthat meet their needs, showcase their talents and create important community connections with their peers.