Youth groups urged to apply for activation funding

From parkour to park jams, Redlands Coast community organisations have used Redland City Council funding to help deliver a host of local Youth Week activities each year.

Mayor Karen Williams said the funding opportunity from Council was open to not-for-profit community and sporting organisations based on Redlands Coast or delivering programs for Redlands Coast youth.

Expressions of Interest for funds in support of this year’s Activate Youth Week opened today, 8 January, and close on 31 January 2024.

Cr Williams said the aim was to encourage youth and sporting organisations to apply for funding to deliver events, workshops, and/or activities for young people, aged 12-24, during Queensland Youth Week from 7 to 13 April, 2024.

“We have seen some fantastic events receive funding in past years and the response to these community activities has been tremendous,” she said.

“Activate (formerly known as the Redlands Coast Youth Week Grants Program) is an initiative that gives youth and sporting groups support for the wonderful work they are already doing in our community.”

Redland Community Centre has used funds it received under the Council initiative to hold two “Canvas & Cocoa” events that brought together locals aged 16 to 25 for a night of “painting, chocolate and cheese boards”.

Other events for Youth Week in the past have included pop-up gaming vans, movie nights, tennis clinics, skate park jam, parkour and rock climbing, and screen-printing workshops.

Cr Williams said the funding opportunity aligned with Council’s draft Young People’s Action Plan 2024-2027 that went out to public consultation in November / December last year.

Approximately 24,700 young people are living on Redlands Coast, representing 15.5 percent of the Redland City population, she said.

“Council’s vision for 2027 is to build safe, strong and self-reliant communities that provide our young people with good access to social infrastructure and services, housing options, welcoming open spaces and a range of suitable sport, recreational, cultural, educational and employment opportunities,” Cr Williams said.

To apply for the Activate Youth Week funding, click here