The first Gippsland Deb Ball involved 24 young people, with 350 family,
friends and staff at the Ball.
We were asked to take on a Wannick Indigenous Youth Transition Program (1
of 3 in Victoria).
We employed a Sudanese Cultural Employment Learning Co-ordinator, (as part
of Neighbourhood Renewal), launched by the Deputy Premier, Rob Hulls.
In partnership with Employment Innovations Victoria, we were successful in
securing funds for Youth on Track employment program (the replacement for
JPET – Job Placement, Employment & Training).
Our L2P driving program secured funds from VicRoads.
Wilderness Program activities continued with 13 separate days of activities, 3
camps and 2 Reconnect movie nights.
Our very successful mentor program was extended to include young people
and mentors with disabilities (INSPIRE), funded by the Ross Trust.
We successfully tendered to the Commonwealth for financial counselling.
Saver Plus, now funded by the Federal Government, has been extended to 5
sites within Gippsland.
A new Therapeutic Residential Unit was established in an existing residential
unit in Morwell, but will be moving within the next 12 months to a great new
5 acre property in Traralgon.
Our Happening Families program was refunded by the Federal Government for
a further 12 months.
We received additional funding (0.6) through Bushfire Recovery to increase
our Aiming High Project to extend into Latrobe and Baw Baw to young people
in bushfire affected areas.
We were successful in our application to deliver Youth Connections in Baw
Baw and Latrobe as the lead agency.
3.5.2 Hume
Victorian Bushfire Case Management Service in Alexandra and Seymour
established.
New Therapeutic Residential Care established.
Funds secured for 3 years from the Darley Group for 2 youth worker positions in
Alexandra.
The 22nd Annual Foster Care Camp provided a special week for 200 kids, carers,
volunteers and staff.
Our Artist in Residence organised a photographic exhibition (Our Elders, their
Stories), which showed at the Melbourne Museum.
We were successful in our applications to lead 2 new Youth Connections
consortiums.
3.5.3 North & West
All our North & West services (with the exception of the Children‟s Contact
Services at Watsonia & Richmond) were brought together (from 3 offices) in
Eaglemont.
One team of case managers (VBCMS) was established and additional funds were
secured for family and financial counselling following the bushfires.
Twenty-six (26) young people, plus staff and volunteers enjoyed the Darwin
Experience.
We secured 2 additional positions to provide post care support.
Were successful in tendering for Youth Connections and secured one position.
With additional funding to Out of Home Care, we were allocated an additional
two positions in Home Based Care.
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