Victorian Youth Week is back for the fourth year in a row, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate the skills and contributions of young Victorians.

Minister for Youth Ros Spence today announced the opening of the 2021 round of Youth Week grants, with $2,000 grants available to councils, community organisations and schools to support the delivery of events.

Victorian Youth Week is an annual celebration that recognises the contributions, achievements and diverse experiences of Victorians aged between 12 and 25. Thisyearit will be celebrated from 26 June-2 July 2021.

Victorian Youth Week events are developed in partnership with young people, for young people, and showcase young Victorians’ talents, dreams, and contributions to their local communities. Events are an important opportunity for young people to express their ideas and have their voices heard.

Grants will support events that are inclusive and accessible to all young people.

Events that engage newly arrived young people, refugees and asylum seekers, Aboriginal young people, young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, rural and regional Victorians, young people with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and those facing social isolation and disadvantage are strongly encouraged.

In previous years, Victorian Youth Week has featured photography exhibitions, mural creations, film competitions, cultural events and community festivals, sporting events, workshops and forums.

In 2020, grants supported the delivery of a month-long virtual festival of youth events, with 79 projects funded across the state.

Events held last year included a celebration for Afghan youth organised by the Shamama Association of Australia, an online gaming tournament held by Baw Baw Shire Council, and aMulticultural MasterChef competition hosted by South East Community Links.

Events funded in 2021 will need to comply with coronavirus (COVID-19) health advice at the time of delivery and demonstrate the capacity to be adapted to a virtual setting if required.

Victorian Youth Week 2021 grant applications are open until 11.59pm on Monday 12 April 2021.

For more information and to apply for a Youth Week grant, go to youthcentral.vic.gov.au/victorian-youth-week-2021-grants.