June 27th, 2023Creswick centre to share in youth dollars

The Creswick Neighbourhood Centre has been named among the recipients of this year’s Victorian Youth Fest grants and will share in over $200,000 total funding to host youth-led events and activities, the local member for Ripon, Martha Haylett says.

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.

Specifically named, Level-up Creswick will be a face-to-face gaming event – initially target socially isolated young people in an activity they enjoy, with the long-term aim of combating social disconnection by taking something that can be isolating and using it as a point of connection.

Event goers will have access to all the latest generation gaming consoles, Virtual Reality (VR) headset’s, giant projector screens, a dozen TV’s and heaps of retro gaming technology.

Applications supporting regional and rural events, and underrepresented community groups were prioritised through the Youth Fest program.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett: “We’re so proud to support local young people to lead the design and delivery of events for their community.”

“Level-Up Creswick will provide a space for like-minded people to get together in a safe and engaging space.”