NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:54): My question is directed to the Minister for Youth. Can the minister advise the house of the successful recipients of the very important 2011 National Youth Week grants?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Premier in Social Inclusion) (14:54): I would like to thank the member for Ashford for her question. I am thrilled to inform the house of the National Youth Week grant recipients for 2011. This is an important initiative funded jointly by federal, state and local governments, and is the largest youth event in Australia, running from 1 to 11 April with the theme 'Own It'.

Last year I was pleased to approve a new competitive application process for National Youth Week grants, which enabled, for the first time, government and non-government organisations to apply for funding. I am pleased to announce today that more than $173,000 in grant funding for 61 organisations have been approved. I am also particularly thrilled to report that about 70 per cent of the 165 events will be held in regional and remote areas of South Australia, on things like: a day of live music for the district council of Ceduna, $2,000 to the District Council of the Copper Coast to conduct a two-day, full-day laser skirmish sessions—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: Yes, Tom Kenyon said he'd be at that. There is the Goyder regional council, $4,000 for a ‘Skate in the Valley' expo, and it goes on. This funding will no doubt provide increased opportunities for young South Australians. We are absolutely committed to enabling—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: —every young South Australian the opportunity to achieve their potential. We are doing this through policy framework. I was pleased to develop and release last year Youth Connect, where we have highlighted a number of key policy areas, health and wellbeing, education, training and skill development, engagement and participation. I encourage all members in this place to take part. I am very happy to offer any members briefings on events occurring in their area.