House of Assembly Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3) 51 3 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Question Time Disadvantaged Youth Grants DISADVANTAGED YOUTH GRANTS Mr KENYON House of Assembly Newland DISADVANTAGED YOUTH GRANTS Mr KENYON (Newland) (15:00): Will the Minister for Youth inform the house about $60,000 in grants that will target disadvantaged youth in South Australia? The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS House of Assembly West Torrens Minister for Correctional Services Minister for Gambling Minister for Youth Minister for Volunteers Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs DISADVANTAGED YOUTH GRANTS The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Gambling, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:00): Why, yes, I can. The Rann government announced that it will deliver $60,000 in grants to six groups that are working to improve the lives of disadvantaged young South Australians. The successful nominees identified that the programs promoted healthy living amongst young people and were to benefit young people living in rural, remote and regional areas. The decision to focus— Ms Portolesi interjecting: The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS House of Assembly The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —I did say 'remote'—on health in regional areas was developed from the 2007-08 'Tell It Like It Is' consultations. 'Tell It Like It Is' involved surveys and focus groups with 1,000 young people to help with the further development of South Australia's Strategic Plan. Each of the six groups is a very worthwhile recipient of $10,000. The Streetlink Healthy Living program, run by UnitingCare Wesley, Adelaide, addresses health issues faced by homeless and at-risk young people and involves hands-on activities chosen by the participants, such as art, sport and recreation. The Healthy Active Fun program run by Labs 'n Life involves young people at risk of unemployment, social isolation and antisocial behaviour. The participants will have a hands-on role working and training assistance dogs, such as labradors. David's Creations received the $10,000 grant for the Indigenous Youth for Careers in Arts program. This project will help five young indigenous offenders from rural SA gain life skills and enhance their employment prospects. A three day health retreat for young African women was another program that received the $10,000 grant. Active Health run by Multicultural Youth SA provides information on homelessness, health, drug and alcohol abuse, safe sex, education, domestic violence and settlement issues. Austdrive, which is run by Country Health SA. Eastern Eyre Health and Aged Care is a one day education session for young drivers from Cleve, Cowell and Kimber. The project aims to reduce road deaths and injuries, increase road safety awareness and give crash avoidance skills. The final program to receive funding was Youth Changing Habits run by the Independent Learning Centre. The member for MacKillop should be here to listen to this because the 22-week program for disadvantaged young Naracoorte residents includes a fitness program (which I know he is very keen on), motivational speakers, a challenge day and a two day outdoor adventure. The health of young people is paramount to ensuring South Australia's future success. Without a healthy start to life and healthy habits it is difficult to build a prosperous and enjoyable life. Young people who have not had a chance in life deserve extra support, and the Rann government is extremely proud of its role in providing these opportunities.