Council community development officer Emma Benton said Youth Week is aimed at young people aged from 12-24 years and offers a range of activities that focus on issues and concerns of young people in the shire.

“Youth Week 2010 will be held between April 10-18 and will provide the community with activities focusing on the positive contributions that young people can and do make to the Bega Valley Shire,” she said.

“The theme next year is Live it Now.

“Council’s small grant program was established to encourage individuals and local organisations to get on board and organise Youth Week activities.

“There have been plenty of success stories when it comes to Youth Week activities.

“Last year was no exception with the Wallaga music night jam sessions and performance, the Youth Week skate competition, Fling Physical Theatre’s hip hop workshops and competition, as well as the long-standing Emerging Artists Exhibition at Spiral Gallery in Bega.”

Ms Benton said the grant requires young people to be actively involved in the planning, co-ordination and implementation of Youth Week activities.

“Applications will be assessed according to the extent to which they achieve the program objectives,” she said.

“Examples of previously funded initiatives include indigenous youth workshops, film projects, art exhibitions, dance parties, theatre performances and calendar competitions.

“All activities must promote a positive image of young people to the wider community and the grants are intended to partially fund Youth Week activities by an organisation or individual.”

Ms Benton said council is committed to ensuring access and benefits to the wider Bega Valley Shire youth population.

“A total budget of $5000 is available for distribution across the Shire and applications will be considered for projects up to $1000,” she said.

“Non-profit organisations are encouraged to apply, including youth and community groups, churches, social and/or interest groups. Organisations need to be an incorporated association or be auspice by one.”

Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday, November 20 and successful organisations will be notified by late December.

Applications and guidelines can be downloaded from www.bega valley.nsw.gov.au

For more information contact Ms Benton on 6499 2157 or email to ebenton@begavalley.nsw.gov.au