Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is encouraging members of the local community and young people aged between 12-25 years to get engaged and play a role in the decision making of their local communities.

“The Coalition is committed to providing a range of opportunities for young people to participate in our community in a way in which they feel they are contributing at both a local and state level,” said Mr Bull.

Minister for Youth Affairs, Ryan Smith, recently announced two initiatives Engage! and Involve.

‘Engage’ a Victorian Government program administered by the Office for Youth provides early support and engages with young people aged 12-25 years to actively participate in and benefit from civic, economic and social activities in their community.

Funding between $30,000-$50,000 per annum is available to community organisations and local government to deliver the Engage! program and applications close 21 October, 2011.

For further information and applications visit www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/engage

Nominations are also open for a new Youth Ministerial Advisory Committee - ‘Involve’ which provides a unique opportunity for young people to meet with the Minister for Youth and other leaders and convey their views and provide advice on a range of interest areas.

The ‘Involve’ committee will include two people from every Victorian region; one representative aged between 12-17 and one aged between 18-25.

“I also encourage people to apply for this exciting opportunity to have a say in government decision-making processes and strengthening regional youth networks,” said Mr Bull.

To nominate for the ‘Involve’ committee visit www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/involve