The future of the Centre for Multicultural Youth and its offices in Ballarat and Morwell has been secured by the

Andrews Labor Government’s first Budget.

Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott, confirmed

today that the Victorian Budget 2015-16 includes $1.5 million for the not-for-profit community organisation,

which provides programs for young people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The Budget provides $524,000 over four years for the Centre for Multicultural Youth, on top of $962,000 over two

years for the Regional Presence Project that CMY is conducting in Ballarat and Gippsland.

Past initiatives under the program include: a “Journey to Work” program operating out of four local schools;

educating the community sector about working with multicultural youth; and getting young people from a non-
English speaking background participating in sport.

The most recent funding is part of an $8 million Budget initiative to support Victoria’s young people, including in

regional and rural areas.

The funding also supports two further regional offices to be operated by the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria in

regional locations to be confirmed, continued money for the Rural and Regional Local Government Youth

Engagement Program and funding for capital improvements and programs operated by the Scouts and Guides.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs, Jenny Mikakos

“We have secured the future of the Centre for Multicultural Youth, allowing them to continue their crucial work for

young people across Victoria.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is working to ensure our young people are connected to education and

employment pathways, helping them to do their best in life.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott

“The Centre for Multicultural Youth was the first organisation in Australia to work exclusively with migrant and

refugee young people and the Andrews Labor Government is proud to support them.”

“The initiatives will continue to support multicultural youth in Ballarat and Gippsland to build leadership skills and

access education and employment.”