Young people in Greater Dandenong are getting a helping hand to build their confidence and explore creative careers thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Youth Affairs, Jenny Mikakos, today announced 77 local government and community organisations from across Victoria will receive funding as part of the $7.2 million FReeZA program, to be delivered over three years.

City of Greater Dandenong was one of the selected organisations, and will soon receive a grant of $24,000 to a program titled the ‘D-Beats Youth Committee’. The program will aims to deliver innovative and diverse events that cater to the interests and needs of a diverse group of young people in Greater Dandenong. Young people will learn practical and transferable skills via hands on training which will include leadership, event and project management, effective communication, mentoring and an introduction to the music and entertainment industry.

FReeZA is an innovative youth development program providing opportunities for young Victorians aged 12 to 25 to enjoy musical, cultural, recreational and artistic events that are drug, alcohol and smoke-free. FReeZA also funds The Push – an independent youth music and event management organisation, which helps young people organise their own live events. Young people are encouraged to participate and perform in FReeZA events, but also to get involved behind the scenes to learn skills that may lead to employment in the arts and music industry. More than 150,000 young people from across Victoria attend more than 400 FReeZA events every year.

More than 150,000 young people from across Victoria attend more than 400 FReeZA events every year. Organising FReeZA activities has given hundreds of young Victorians the opportunity to develop their skills development and workplace experience, so they can go on to gain further employment or education qualifications in similar fields.

The FReeZA program is just one way that the Andrews Labor Government’s Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria is being actioned, providing an opportunity for young people to influence policy, services and programs that affect them.

To find out more about the FReeZA program, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/freeza.