Grants announced for Aboriginal youth mentoring programs

Aboriginal organisations to deliver local mentoring programs for Aboriginal young people
19 February 2024

Empowering Aboriginal young people to achieve their social, cultural, employment and life goals continues to be a key priority for the Victorian Government.

We are excited to share that five Aboriginal organisations will each receive grants of up to $335,000 over three years to implement mentoring programs. These programs will be designed and delivered in collaboration with Aboriginal young people.

The Koorie Youth Council will support these organisations in their delivery of the program.

Since its launch in 2016, the Marram Nganyin Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program has supported 300 young Aboriginal people with mentoring programs.

Congratulations to the 2023-26 recipients. Here's a snapshot of what each organisation plans to undertake:

  • Bunjilwarra Koori youth healing service in Mornington Peninsula will deliver a mentoring program within a residential rehabilitation service for young aboriginal people in Hastings.
  • Weenthunga Health Network in the City of Yarra will support young first nations women with careers in health/wellbeing through a mentoring program for young women.
  • Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place in the City of Whitehorse will codesign and deliver a community led youth program.
  • Rumbalara Football and Netball Club in Greater Shepparton will bring together young people aged 15 - 19 to co-design their own leadership program with mentors.
  • Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation in Glenelg and Southern Grampians Shires through the Karreeta Koornong Marr project will support young people aged 12 – 25 with a three-year mentoring program. It aims to connect them to culture, build leadership skills and support their future goals.

For more information about the program, visit the Marram Nganyin Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program website.