Moira Shire Secures $120,000 FReeZA Youth Grant

Moira Shire secures $120,000 FReeZA youth grant

Moira's young people will benefit from exciting new events and programs, with Moira Shire Council successful in securing funding through the Victorian Government's FReeZA grant program.

The $120,000 grant will help Council support youth-led events over the next three years, providing platforms for emerging musicians, artists, and event management professionals to showcase their talents while building valuable skills.

The program will also create safe and inclusive spaces for young people to engage with their peers and community.

As part of event planning, Moira's young people are being encouraged to have their say on what they'd like to see happen as part of this year's program.

Previous events have included the North East Skate Park series, youth performers at the Baala Creek Festival, underage discos, roller discos and pool parties.

The funding has also helped to provide important training and development, including first aid training as well as songwriting and career pathway workshops.

Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM said the funding will play a key role in shaping the future of youth engagement in the region.

"We are incredibly grateful for this funding, which is critical for supporting council to continue delivering fun, engaging events and creating exciting opportunities for young people, which will help them build confidence, express themselves and develop career pathways," Dr Emonson said.

"We want to ensure this program reflects the interests and aspirations of our young people, which is why we're encouraging them to share their ideas and help shape the activities for 2025. A short survey is now open, and we want as many young voices as possible to contribute.

"Our newly appointed Youth Council will also play an important role in designing and delivering events that inspire and engage our young people and we are excited to see what is on the horizon as part of this program."

The FReeZA program provides young people aged 12 to 25 with hands-on experience in planning and delivering events, fostering leadership, teamwork, and practical industry skills.

In the past three years, Moira Shire Council has supported and delivered 40 events that reflect the interests and needs of young people in Moira. More than 4,700 people attended the events, which are all fully supervised, and drug, alcohol and smoke-free.