Strong boost for youth projects with Council funding

Sunshine Coast Council has placed the spotlight on young people in the region, with community projects funded in the latest Major Grants round designed to empower, inspire and uplift young people on the Sunshine Coast.

The latest Major Grant recipients are ready to bring a range of projects and programs to the Coast, with 98 local community organisations receiving a share of $621,981.

Community Portfolio Councillor David Law congratulated all Major Grant recipients and looked forward to seeing projects come to life.

“Council is providing $10,000 towards Reignite, a therapeutic arts project initiated by Integrated Family and Youth Services, also known as IFYS,” Cr Law said.

“The Reignite project ensures community spaces are welcoming, while increasing the sense of community connection for the young people involved in the renewal of the spaces.”

“The project seeks to engage young people on a journey of community connection, positive self-worth and mental health wellness to revitalise community spaces affected by anti-social behaviour and graffiti.”

Community spaces will be re-worked with murals designed and painted by young people while supported by arts mentors and support workers from IFYS and Headspace.

Nathan Andrews, Team Leader at IFYS said Reignite built on the success of a similar IFYS project recently completed on a highly graffitied underpass in the Beerwah region.

“This project saw nine young people embark on a journey which included community consultation, planning, design and completion of this project over a 10-week period,” Mr Andrews said.  

“The new project will include three different projects run throughout 2024, all targeting specific cohorts of young people within our community.

“We thank Sunshine Coast Council for their contribution to youth programs like, Reignite.”

Other projects supporting young people include:

• The Youth Mental Health Summit Planning Group received $6131 towards venue and equipment costs for the Youth Mental Health Summit, an event held at Venue 114, Bokarina on 21 October, created for young people from across the Sunshine Coast to connect, learn, and build essential life skills in a positive setting.
• Youturn Limited (Headspace Maroochydore) received $7118 to acquire workshop equipment, including art supplies and board games. These activities promote social cohesion and inclusivity, with a focus on neurodiverse young people, such as those with autism and ADHD.
• Arts Connect Inc received $9000 to support 77 local Sunshine Coast artists to showcase their work through opening their studios to the public and delivers 24 creative workshops and demonstrations.
• Business Mentors Sunshine Coast Inc received $4000 towards six interactive events targeted towards Sunshine Coast start-ups, micro-enterprises, and early-stage businesses.

For the full list of recipients visit Council’s website and search ‘Major Grants’.