Empowering Young People With FReeZA Grants

Photo: Youth Central

Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos today announced 77 local government and community organisations from across Victoria would receive funding as part of the $7.2 million FReeZA program, to be delivered over three years.

Local organisations will receive grants to support young people put on hundreds of free events in their local community, including:

• Hepburn Shire Council, who will be supporting young people access employment pathways into the music industry through its Heckas Heppos program
• Drummond Street Services, who manage VoiceFest – an innovative program creating inclusive spaces and festival environments for young people
• Baw Baw Shire Council, who will establish a representative group of young people to deliver accessible, youth-friendly events across the Shire.

More than 150,000 young people from a diverse range of backgrounds across Victoria attend more than 400 FReeZA events every year.

FReeZA is an innovative youth development program providing opportunities for young Victorians aged 12 to 25 to enjoy gigs, dance parties and other cultural, recreational and artistic events that are drug, alcohol and smoke-free.

FReeZA also funds The Push – an independent youth music and event management organisation, which helps young people organise their own live events.

Young people are encouraged to participate and perform in FReeZA events, but also to get involved behind the scenes and learn skills that may lead to employment in the arts and music industry.

To find out more about the FReeZA program, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/freeza.