Media Releases

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has commended the Horsham College which will join a number of schools across the state in hosting a community forum focused on providing parents with tips for dealing with alcohol and teenagers.
“These forums, to be held in April and May, would provide parents with important information about
Victoria’s new alcohol laws and advice about what to do if their teenager asks to drink at a party,” Mr Delahunty said.
In making the announcement Minister Dixon said parents are sometimes faced with situations where their 16 or 17-year-old asks to drink at a party, and when the parent says ‘no,’ the child says, ‘but everyone else is allowed to, why can’t I?’"
“These forums are a great way to provide parents with helpful advice about how to handle these tricky situations and how to talk to their kids about the very real dangers of alcohol consumption at a young age.”
The Minister said the forums, organised by the Victorian Government in partnership with the Australian Drug Foundation, VicHealth and the Barwon Adolescent Taskforce, built on the good work already being done by the Victorian Coalition Government to reduce alcohol-related harm to young people.
“The Coalition Government introduced laws in November making it illegal to serve alcohol in a private home to anyone under 18, unless their parents have given permission,” Mr Delahunty said.
Adults who break the new law face fines of more than $7,000, which is the same amount a licensee would be fined for selling alcohol to a minor.
Mr Delahunty said details of the law changes were also included in a series of alcohol fact sheets for parents, created by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in partnership with the Australian Drug Foundation.
The eight fact sheets provide a quick and easy guide for parents about the risks of teenage drinking and what they can do to send the right messages to their child that underage drinking can create risks and problems that may affect a young person for the rest of their life.
For updated alcohol fact sheets for parents, visit:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/programs/drugeducation/tchengagepar.htm#H2N10378

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is congratulating young people from the Lowan Electorate who are getting ready for National Youth Week 2012.

Across the state thousands of young people are logging onto www.youthweek.com and choosing to be part of the state’s biggest celebration of young people. There are a wide range of events on offer – from music festivals and skating demonstrations, to short films, youth awards and break dancing.
       
“There are a number of activities being held not only across the State but importantly in the Lowan electorate.  For example in Ararat there will be a T-Shirt design workshop and exhibition, the Dimboola memorial Secondary College has a fitness workshop planned and the Grampians Community Health Centre – Nexus has music events at various locations,” Mr Delahunty said.

There are a wide range of events on offer across the State, under the theme ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’, including music festivals and skating demonstrations to short films, youth awards and break dancing.

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said National Youth Week is a celebration of young people across the state.  Thousands of young people are involved with National Youth Week and I thank those who have coordinated events and volunteered their time to this annual celebration.

“Young Victorian’s creativity and passion for celebrating National Youth Week will no doubt result in a fantastic week of events showcasing their talents and the positive contribution of young people in Victoria,” Mr Smith said.

Youth Week will kicked off at the Prahran Junior Jam with hip hop dancing, live music and basketball competitions on Saturday 14 April 2012. It will end on a high with 6 young speakers, 6 big ideas and 6 minutes to share at the ‘Victoria’s Young Thinkers’ forum hosted by Express Media on Sunday 22 April 2012.

“National Youth Week is an opportunity for the community to not only recognise but to also thank our young people for the work they do in the community, from organising events to participation in sport, social and community activities.  I encourage young people in the Lowan electorate to take the opportunity to participate in National Youth Week,” Mr Delahunty said.

For a full list of National Youth Week events go to www.youthweek.com or www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/nyw.  All events are alcohol, drug and smoke-free – with most events free of charge.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty is calling on young people in the Lowan electorate to consider applying to be a part of the 2012 Victorian YMCA Youth Parliament.

Mr Delahunty said “Youth Parliament is for people aged between 16 and 25 to come together and express their views about matters that are of concern in their communities.   The program runs once a year and also provides great skills training in public speaking, presentation and leadership.”

“Travelling around my electorate and visiting a number of schools and youth centres in recent weeks, I have been impressed by the calibre of young people in the region. We have some very articulate young people, many of whom are already showing great leadership and are role models in their local community,” Mr Delahunty said.

“It is important that young people continue to speak up about the issues that affect them, and I would like to encourage them to consider this opportunity to attend Youth Parliament and be heard.”

 “Victoria’s Youth Parliament runs from 1-6th of July 2012, and this year the Coalition Government has increased annual funding to the program, from $50,000 to $75,000,” Mr Delahunty said.

Applications to be a part of this important event close on 30th of March 2012.  Further information is available on the Victorian Government’s “Youth Central” website www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty today announced the West Wimmera Shire Council will receive $2,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government to celebrate National Youth Week from April 13 to 22 to ‘Imagine Create Inspire’.

The West Wimmera Shire Council will use this funding to encourage discussion surrounding the signs of depression and anxiety, by engaging a profession service to work directly with students.  The program will also engage young people with tools on how to seek help or ways to relax by teaching them some basic tai chi, meditation and other relaxation techniques.  Youthbeyondblue key messages of Look, Listen, Talk, Seek Help will be incorporated into all activities, with promotional material distributed to young people.

The National Youth Week grants are a joint partnership between the Victorian Coalition Government, the Federal Government and youthbeyondblue.

This a great opportunity for young people in the West Wimmera Shire Region to put their talents on display,” Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’ is the theme of this year’s National Youth Week.

“I congratulate the young Victorians that have successfully lodged an application for an event with the help of their community and local governments,” Mr Smith said.

“Their creativity and passion for celebrating National Youth Week will no doubt result in a fantastic week of events for young people in Victoria.”

“I look forward to seeing what happens when young Victorians ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’  During National Youth Week 2012,” Mr Smith said.

Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge said beyondblue’s contribution of $40,000 will be targeted towards events raising awareness amongst young people about depression and anxiety.
“Around 160,000 young people aged 16 to 24 live with depression each year.  It’s important through events such as National Youth Week that we provide creative ways to raise awareness of this important health issue,” Ms Wooldridge said.

For more information on national Youth Week 2012 go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/nywl.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty today announced the Grampians Community Health Centre – Nexus Youth Centre will receive $2,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government to celebrate National Youth Week from April 13 to 22 to ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire’.

The Grampians Community Health Centre – Nexus Youth Centre will use this funding to support local musicians, students and youth in a lunchtime event.  The group is proposing to present this at Edenhope (reaching students from Goroke and Kaniva also), Dimboola, Murtoa and Horsham. 

Nexus is assisting youth in attending and supporting a skate competition to be held at Warracknabeal.

The National Youth Week grants are a joint partnership between the Victorian Coalition Government, the Federal Government and youthbeyondblue.

“This is a great opportunity for the young people of Horsham to put their talents on display,” Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’ is the theme of this year’s National Youth Week.“I congratulate the young Victorians that have successfully lodged an application for an event with the help of their community and local governments,” Mr Smith said.“Their creativity and passion for celebrating National Youth Week will no doubt result in a fantastic week of events for young people in Victoria.”

“I look forward to seeing what happens when young Victorians ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’  During National Youth Week 2012,” Mr Smith said.

Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge said beyondblue’s contribution of $40,000 will be targeted towards events raising awareness amongst young people about depression and anxiety.
“Around 160,000 young people aged 16 to 24 live with depression each year.  It’s important through events such as National Youth Week that we provide creative ways to raise awareness of this important health issue,” Ms Wooldridge said.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty today announced the Dimboola Memorial Secondary College will receive $2,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government to celebrate National Youth Week from April 13 to 22 to “Imagine. Create. Inspire’.

The Dimboola Memorial Secondary College will use this funding to support Urbane Ranges to assist in running a boot camp activity to engage young people in physical activity through a range of disciplines in a fun and supporting environment.

The National Youth Week grants are a joint partnership between the Victorian Coalition Government, the Federal Government and youthbeyondblue.

“This a great opportunity for the young people of Dimboola to put their talents on display,” Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’ is the theme of this year’s National Youth Week.

“I congratulate the young Victorians that have successfully lodged an application for an event with the help of their community and local governments,” Mr Smith said.

“Their creativity and passion for celebrating National Youth Week will no doubt result in a fantastic week of events for young people in Victoria.”

“I look forward to seeing what happens when young Victorians ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire.’  During National Youth Week 2012,” Mr Smith said.

Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge said beyondblue’s contribution of $40,000 will be targeted towards events raising awareness amongst young people about depression and anxiety.
“Around 160,000 young people aged 16 to 24 live with depression each year.  It’s important through events such as National Youth Week that we provide creative ways to raise awareness of this important health issue,” Ms Wooldridge said.

For more information on national Youth Week 2012 go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/nywl.

 

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty announced today that the Dimboola Scout Group will soon be enjoying improved facilities thanks to a grant of $30,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government.

The Dimboola Scout Group will receive the funding to upgrade the hall in Muller Street including replacing the exit ramp, upgrades to the toilet and kitchen and improvements to storage facilities.
“Scouting and guiding play an important role in our rural communities in helping young girls and boys gain practical social and life skills as well as providing a safe environment for adventure.”

“The new facilities are a great boost to the Dimboola community and to the scouting community in particular,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said the $4 million program delivered on the Government’s election commitment to upgrade Scouts and Girl Guides facilities across the state.

“With this new funding Scouts Victorian and Guides Victoria will be able to modernise facilities and to continue their fantastic work in supporting, training and mentoring young Victorians.

“This funding also ensures that these facilities are still available for other community needs, such as accommodating local not-for-profit organisations working with young people,” Mr Delahunty said.

Girl Guides Victoria’s Sate Commissioner Robinette Emonson said: “We are looking forward to working closely with the state and local governments and the community to achieve outcomes which will be of benefit to everyone.”

Chief Commissioner of Scouts Victoria, Bob Taylor, said: “It is fantastic that the Victorian government has recognised the importance and benefits of Scouting and Guiding in today’s society and are providing funding to assist up in upgrading our facilities across the state.”
To get involved with your local Girl Guide or Scout group visit www.guidesvic.gov.au or www.vicscouts.com.au

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty announced today in Kaniva that the Kaniva Scout Group will soon be enjoying improved facilities thanks to a grant of $45,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government.

The Kaniva Scout Group will receive the funding to upgrade the hall in Young Street including removal of asbestos, insulate walls and ceiling, reline interior walls, level floor and construct new toilets with disabled facilities.

“Scouting and guiding play an important role in our rural communities in helping young girls and boys gain practical social and life skills as well as providing a safe environment for adventure.”
“The new facilities are a great boost to the Kaniva community and to the scouting community in particular,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said the $4 million program delivered on the Government’s election commitment to upgrade Scouts and Girl Guides facilities across the state.

“With this new funding Scouts Victorian and Guides Victoria will be able to modernise facilities and to continue their fantastic work in supporting, training and mentoring young Victorians.
“This funding also ensures that these facilities are still available for other community needs, such as accommodating local not-for-profit organisations working with young people,” Mr Delahunty said.

Girl Guides Victoria’s Sate Commissioner Robinette Emonson said: “We are looking forward to working closely with the state and local governments and the community to achieve outcomes which will be of benefit to everyone.”

Chief Commissioner of Scouts Victoria, Bob Taylor, said: “It is fantastic that the Victorian government has recognised the importance and benefits of Scouting and Guiding in today’s society and are providing funding to assist up in upgrading our facilities across the state.”
To get involved with your local Girl Guide or Scout group visit www.guidesvic.gov.au or www.vicscouts.com.au

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty welcomed the funding that has flowed from the Victorian Coalition's first state budget of $20,000 the Youth and Community Mobile Centre bus in Horsham.

"This project will be of great benefit and support to the young people in the Wimmera Region," Mr Delahunty said.

"The Youth and Community Mobile Centre bus project is a joint initiative of Wimmera Uniting Care and Grampians Community Health and will support the youth of the region.

"Young people aged between 12 and 24 comprise about 18% of Victoria's population and there are approximately 4,400 young people aged between 10 and 17 and a further 1,400 aged between 18 and 21 live within the Wimmera region."

"Our young people, wherever they live, are keen to create a sense of belonging, but young people in outlying areas are at risk due to isolation, boredom, lack of social opportunities, drug and alcohol issues and distance should not mean disadvantage," Mr Delahunty said.

"The Wimmera Youth and Community Mobile Centre will service communities in Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Horsham Rural City, Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians, Ararat Rural City and Buloke Shires.

"I am a strong supporter of our young people and this $20,000 will be a great boost to this important project for the region and will deliver positive outcomes for young people.

"The Coalition Government is committed to providing young people with valuable social and recreational opportunities in their communities and this important initiative will provide entertainment and much needed services to rurally isolated young people in the Wimmera," Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said today the Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to invest $4 million over four years to upgrade Scouts Victoria and Girl Guides Victoria facilities across the state.

“Scouts and Girl Guides groups in the Lowan Electorate can now apply for funds to improve the safety, functionality and longevity of facilities through the Scout and Guides Facilities Grants Program,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Western Victorian scout groups do an impressive job at providing top quality activities and programs for our local Scouts and Guides. This funding will go a long way to ensuring all members have a welcoming and comfortable environment in which to learn and grow,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Many of our local scout and guide facilities are in aging buildings that require upgrading and in some cases new buildings are currently not complete.”

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said both organisations have played a significant role in shaping young Victorians for more than 100 years and deserved modern facilities to attract a new generation of Scouts and Guides.

“With this funding, Scouts Victoria and Guides Victoria will be able to modernise facilities and to continue their fantastic work in supporting, training and mentoring young Victorians,” Mr Smith said.

Scouts and Guides groups are required to apply directly through their central organisations which will present submissions to the Office for Youth.

Mr Delahunty said it would be wonderful to see our local Scout and Guide groups benefit from this opportunity and I hope our local leaders will take the time to submit an application.

“The Victorian Government’s Scouts and Guides Facilities Grants Program (SGFGP) provides the opportunity to upgrade facilities while at the same time helping to meet the challenge of attracting and supporting membership.”

“Scouts and guides provide a wonderful opportunity to our young people to be involved in their community and to build skills and I urge groups across western Victoria to apply for funding through the SGFGP,” Mr Delahunty said.

For further information on the grants program please visit www.youth.vic.gov.au  www.vicscouts.com.au or www.guidesvic.org.au

Applications for the Scouts and Guides Facilities Grants Program close on 1 November 2011.