Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Albanese Labor Government is investing $3.2 million to deliver school holiday activities for Central Australian children and young people over the next two years.
The funding will support community organisations and local councils in Alice Springs and across Central Australia to deliver more youth programs and activities during school holidays.
Making learning-based activities accessible for young people and their families will provide enormous health benefits and encourage positive engagement with peers and community youth services.
This funding commitment builds on the success of the Summer in Central Australia 2023-24 Action Plan, where the Albanese Government provided $700,000 in collaboration with the Northern Territory Government, local councils and organisations to hold boxing classes, music workshops, ice skating and bush trips over the summer holidays.
More than 20,000 young people took part in the program, helping reduce youth related antisocial behaviour in Alice Springs and remote communities during the summer.
The Albanese Government is committed to continuing to work closely with the Northern Territory Government and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to ensure youth services across Central Australia have the greatest possible impact.
As part of this latest collaboration, the Northern Territory Government will fund local school holiday activities through its Alice Springs Youth Services Grants program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"Keeping young people active and positively engaged when they are on school holidays benefits the whole community.
"This funding will increase certainty for local youth service providers in the region to develop their activities and school holiday programs for the next two years.
"We know that now more than ever, young people need to connect with each other and the local community to ensure they develop healthy hobbies and interactions.
"Investing in our youth is an investment in our future and the Albanese Government is committed to delivering youth initiatives that provide far reaching benefits for all communities in Central Australia, including those in remote locations."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
"I welcome this additional funding that builds on the success of the 2023-24 Summer in Central Australia plan. School holiday activities offer children and young people a variety of fun, exciting and enjoyable experiences. Importantly, they also enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.
"School holiday programs are critically important for developing children and young people's independence, decision-making skills and self-esteem.
"I congratulate the Albanese and Northern Territory Governments, community organisations and local councils for their collaboration to ensure kids in the Centre can enjoy their school holidays".
