Collaboration key to creating a better future for Tasmanian youth

With over $700,000 in Australian Government funding, a new program Our Community, MY Future has been created to support youth from across the state.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the pilot program is focused on providing early support for at-risk youth between the ages of 12 and 24 from refugee, migrant and Australianborn backgrounds.

“This is an exciting opportunity to make a demonstrable difference in the lives of young Tasmanians who engage with the services provided,” Mrs Archer said.

“Our Community, MY Future is also the first project of its nature where the three specialist youth services in the state - MRC Tas, The Link Youth Health Service and Cornerstone Youth Services - are partnering to provide wrap-around services and opportunities for young people to build skills and networks supporting ongoing education and employment opportunities.

“I firmly believe that connection to community is paramount to ensuring any citizen feels seen, heard and valued and I am particularly pleased to see this program offering young people a chance to participate in co-designing and delivering a community-based project in their local area to build skills and local networks, and support their education and employment pathways.

“It’s my hope that the evidence gathered through the program will lead to longterm investment from governments of all persuasions as we rightly look at how best to support our youth work towards a better and brighter future.”