Youth Great Southern launches inaugural Quick Grants scheme as part of long-term goal to tackle disadvantage

A new organisation dedicated to tackling youth disadvantage across the Great Southern is calling for local projects to apply for grants of up to $20,000 to help improve the lives of young people. Led by chair Ricky Burges — former Albany Youth Support Association chief executive — Youth Great Southern has been in the works for 12 months. The organisation was formed to manage a trust bequeathed by businessman Tony Elwood who retired to Albany before his death. Youth Great Southern director Craig Dew said Mr Elwood left a “substantial sum” to be used to help Great Southern youth. “In his words, we can make a big splash down here,” Mr Dew said. “Tony was quite insistent and the terms of the trust that were set up were quite specific that it was to be used for youth in the Great Southern region — so we should be able to make a splash.” Ms Burges said YGS had held roundtables with other community groups to understand the key factors contributing to youth disadvantage. She said the biggest issue identified in their consultation was youth homelessness. While the group works with other organisations on plans for a major long-term project, they have opened the inaugural Quick Grants scheme to get money on the ground as soon as possible. Grants of $10,000-$20,000 are available for projects in the Great Southern helping people aged 10-25, including crisis support, education, mental health, employment and homelessness. “We have become very aware that there are lots of community groups who really need a hand, who just need a step up,” Ms Burges said. “There’s still heaps of time and we are looking forward to having other people coming forward and telling us all of those critical, innovative and exciting ideas. “We’re encouraging individuals, not-for-profit groups, local councils and sports clubs and associations to apply for these grants as a way to support and work more closely with at-risk youth in their area.” Former Albany MLA Peter Watson has also come on board as a director. Mr Watson said youth homelessness was an issue that flew under the radar in the region. “There is an underlying problem in Albany and the Great Southern that people just don’t realise,” he said. “Kids and families couch surfing, they haven’t got accommodation, they haven’t got any facilities for them to go to, so kids don’t go to school, they don’t get proper meals. “There are so many areas that I think we can help. It’s a real team effort and I am sure it’s going to be very successful and help a lot of people in need.” For a grant application pack, call Jane Hare on 0418 418 639. Applications close at 5pm on April 29.