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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-09-23 Daily Xml
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YOUTH PROGRAM GRANTS

Ms CICCARELLO (Norwood) (14:50): My question is to the Minister for Youth. Can the minister inform the house about the $40,000 in grants which will target disadvantaged youth in South Australia?

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) (14:51): Yes, I can give that information to the house. I am pleased to announce that the Rann government has announced it will deliver $40,000 in grants to help vulnerable young people in Adelaide's western and northern suburbs to live happier, healthier and safer lives. All four recipients of a $10,000 grant are dedicated to promoting positive lifestyles and are working towards improving the lives of disadvantaged young South Australians.

The Get Rec program, run by the Service to Youth Council, is an innovative sport and recreation program aimed at improving the life skills and physical wellbeing of disadvantaged young people by encouraging their participation in sports. The program is designed to develop self-confidence and self-esteem, and enable young people to build positive connections with various sporting clubs. It also provides assistance with mental health, employment and drug-related issues.

The In the Zone Youth Gym Mentoring Program, run by Twelve25 Salisbury Youth Enterprise Centre, is aimed at linking disengaged young people through small group gym and weight sessions in a professional gym setting. These sessions connect young people with mentors and utilise the power of role models in order to reduce the risk of vulnerable local young people becoming involved in crime.

The two Salvation Army programs to receive a $10,000 grant will benefit young mothers and at-risk teenagers. The Young Mums Support Service in the northern suburbs provides an educational service and vital support to young mums in their early days of motherhood. The service also aims at decreasing social isolation by providing an avenue for them to build friendships with other young mums—which is very important, isn't it Vickie? The young mothers are taught how to look after their babies and are given practical advice on housing and the importance of continuing their education.

The Factory, which I attended personally, is a new youth drop-in centre at Kilkenny, which will help keep young people off the streets and give them a safe place to meet and socialise with friends.

The Hon. M.J. Atkinson: Where at Kilkenny?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: I have forgotten the name of the street, but I will take you down there and show you. The centre will provide a place for young people in need of extra support with study, problems at school or home, issues with alcohol or drug use, or who just need a safe place to socialise and make new friends. The Factory will hold up to 30 young people at any given time, and the government's contribution will pay for start-up costs, including the purchase of sports equipment, furniture and computers.

These valuable programs are giving disadvantaged young people a better start to life through mentoring, sports, learning life skills and providing a safe and enjoyable place to relax and socialise.

Ms Chapman: And learn to drive?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, probably that, too. The physical and mental wellbeing of young people plays an integral role in South Australia's successful future, and the Rann government is helping vulnerable youth by supporting community-driven ideas such as these four programs. As the Minister for Youth, I am very proud to be able to assist in providing these important life-changing opportunities for our young South Australians who so desperately need reassurance, guidance, encouragement and support in their adolescent lives.

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