PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council is among 16 organisations awarded grants under the NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities program.
The Council’s Youth Excellence Program received a $10,000 funding boost, supporting young people aged 12 to 24 to connect with their community, build new skills, and take on leadership roles.
The Youth Excellence Program delivers a series of five workshops for marginalised youth to support their employment and entrepreneurship journeys, aiming to boost local youth economic participation.
In partnership with the ASE Group, the project entails a networking event, workshops covering essential skills, and the establishment of an ongoing youth group for continued networking, learning, and providing support.
Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said the program is about empowering young people to lead projects that matter to them.
“The Youth Opportunities program delivers projects by young people for young people,” Ms Jackson said.
“I am thrilled to announce we’ve expanded this year’s program, with 16 additional grant recipients receiving grants to drive projects in their areas.
From sport to mural making, these new projects will empower and engage young people, helping them connect with their communities and learn vital new skills to set them on a positive path for the future.”
In Port Macquarie and across the Mid North Coast, projects funded through Youth Opportunities will focus on youth music, arts, leadership, and community engagement.
The program encourages young people to be involved at every stage, from identifying community needs to designing and delivering solutions.
Since its launch in 2012, the program has invested $19.8 million, supporting 434 youth empowerment projects across NSW, including this latest round of $735,000 in funding announced following NSW Youth Week 2025.
By Sis HIGGINS
