• Victoria youth funding boost

Victorian young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness will receive more assistance from The Salvation Army through new funding.

Victorian Salvation Army youth programs have recently received more than $250,000 in funding through a state government initiative.

The programs, which target young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or who are disengaged from education and employment, are located in Mornington Peninsula/Frankston and Shepparton.

The Victorian Government’s 2025-27 Engage! grants program awarded Peninsula Youth Services $135,000 and The Salvation Army’s North East Victoria Youth Services $130,000, excluding GST.

The funds will be used in both areas to empower marginalised young people by equipping them with essential life and leadership skills, building community connections and helping foster self-confidence and creative expression.

Victorian Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman announced the rollout of the Engage! grant program on 16 December.

“These grants will ensure that young people have the support and resources they need to thrive and contribute to our state into the future,” she said.

Engage! grants range from $60,000 to $180,000.

Some information and the quote in this article first appeared in the Shepparton News.