FReeZA Funding 2022-24: The story so far...
FReeZA funding has enabled the Southern Grampians Shire Council to significantly boost the number and diversity of events and activities for young people across the region. Over 2450 young people have been involved in Youth FReeZA activities over the last two years in the shire. These events have allowed for young people to feel safe, included, heard and valued. By embracing their ideas and supporting them to bring the ideas to fruition, young people are empowered and develop a further sense of achievement and belonging.
Southern Grampians Shire Council have employed and funded a Youth Engagement Officer which means we can allocate 100% of FReeZA funding directly to the cost of events and activities. Most importantly the Youth Engagement Officer works closely with young people and youth groups, so the young people are supported to lead.
Strong partnerships across schools, organisations, services and community groups within the region result in a joint effort to leverage resources and coordinate activities that are collaborative and more effective every year.
FReeZA funding has enabled us to deliver....
Youth Music Concert - The JAM
The JAM Youth music event was a huge success with local young artists rocking the stage with talent and confidence. Over 130 people, mostly youth, came together to support and enjoy five talented youth music acts with the night culminating in a performance by band ‘The Velvet Club’.
The Jam Youth Music Group, worked hard behind the scenes planning and organising the event - booking the band, selecting acts and promoting the event through social media posts and radio interviews.
They managed backstage, chaired the event and were responsible for photography. Behind the scenes workshops and technical training in lighting, sound and staging has upskilled local young people in putting on their very own show and volunteering at local events.
Events and Activities for our Youth Rainbow Community
YUMCHA Hamilton is a youth-led social group celebrating diversity and offering a safe space to connect and engage young people aged 12 to 25 from the LGBTQIA+ community, their friends and allies.
The group is active in leading initiatives to promote social and emotional wellbeing and increase inclusion across the community. The Group designed an inclusive rainbow mural which was then brought to life through a series of youth-led mural workshops.
Supported by FReeZA funding, the mural was launched and celebrated on IDAHOBIT Day with special guest Todd Fernando the Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIAQ+ Communities.
A variety of events and activities have been undertaken over the last two years, led by the YUMCHA group. These included the mural, a halloween picnic, creative arts workshops and pronoun badge making.
Community Pool Parties
Five Youth Pool Party’s brought townships to life over summer school holiday periods, drawing crowds of over 500 in Hamilton, 80 in Balmoral and 120 in Coleraine.
The events included a free barbecue, pool and grass games, and a DJ, providing a festive, affordable, and accessible opportunity for young people to reconnect over the school holidays, have fun and celebrate summer.
Outdoor Pools are a valuable facility in regional areas. By utilising these and bringing the community together, often after a busy harvest period, these events helped to reduce isolation and strengthen community networks and social capital.
Youth Arts Gallery Pop-Up
Hosted in partnership with Brophy Youth Services and the Hamilton Gallery, the Youth Arts Pop-Up Gallery was designed, created and curated by local young creatives to showcase their own unique art pieces.
Painting workshops led by guest artist Melissa Grisancich taught participants new ways to approach still-life painting and provided an opportunity for young people to meet other like minds, form new friendships and learn how to prepare pieces for hanging and display.
The workshops were booked out and over 200 community members visited the Pop-Up Gallery.
Youth Skate Fest
FReeZA funding enabled the Southern Grampians Shire Council to deliver a Skating event and provide free skate lessons for local youth at both Hamilton and Coleraine skate parks.
The festival culminated in a competition showcasing local talent in skateboarding, scooting and BMX riding.
Hosted by Renton Miller, national skateboarding champion, the Youth Skate Fest was a popular event for all ages with local families and skaters making the most of the opportunity.
Live4Life Mental Wellbeing Events
Southern Grampians Shire Council is a key partner in Live 4 Life, a community and school-based youth mental health and wellbeing program.
FReeZA funding has supported four major Live 4 Life events led by young people. Having attracted over 1000 participants, events are designed to support and promote mental wellbeing, foster inter-school connection and celebrate and embed learnings from the youth mental health training program.
Events include guest speakers, food, music, and outdoor and indoor games and activities.
Youth Achievement Awards
With the addition of Freeza funding, the Southern Grampians Shire Council reinvigorated the Youth Achievement Awards by hosting a Youth celebration evening aiming to recognise all nominated young people and their valuable contribution to the community.
Partnering with the WDHS and Brophy, the evening included performances by young artists, a DJ, finger food, dancing and karaoke.
Over 45 young people were recognised along with a range of youth orientated groups.
The Ask
Council is seeking renewal of FReeZA funding for 2025 and beyond.