Huon visit and new projects funded

The Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF) Board recently spent two days in the Huon Valley to assess funding applications and spend time learning the needs and opportunities of this amazing community.

Five projects received funding at the meeting, including HealthLit4Everyone’s online training package for school nurses, Regenerative Agriculture Network’s project to provide access to students to learn about regenerative farming methods and Missing School Inc’s project to support students with chronic health conditions to stay connected with school.

The Tasmanian Bike Collective has been funded $999,000 for a five-year initiative that empowers at-risk youth (aged 10-19) across Southern Tasmania to reengage with education, enhance their personal wellbeing and develop work readiness through 80 mobile bike programs.

Tasmanian Bike Collective CEO Anthony Edler said the funding will enable them to build on two decades of experience and support up to 500 young people over the next five years.

“It gives us the ability to design and deliver a flexible program that meets the needs of young people across southern Tasmania, especially those who don’t thrive in conventional learning environments,” Anthony said.

“A young person’s wellbeing shapes how they see themselves and the world around them and our bike programs are designed to build confidence, encourage positive interactions and help participants develop vital life skills at a pivotal time in their lives.”

“We’re excited to expand the program and help more young Tasmanians engage with something meaningful that sets them up for success socially, emotionally and professionally.”

Youth, Family and Community Connection’s (YFCC) Ignite Your Future program has received $597,000 to provide career guidance and supports for disengaged or at risk of being disengaged students in three north west coast high schools.

Latrobe High, Ulverstone High and Parklands High in Burnie.

YFCC Operations Manager Graham Marshall said Ignite Your Future is a natural progression from the Fit For Work program, which was also successfully piloted with TCF support.

“While that program focused on 15 to 25-year-olds, schools told us there was a clear need to start earlier, with students in Years 7 to 10, to provide stronger foundations for future success,” Graham said.

“This initiative will support disengaged students at Latrobe High School, Ulverstone High School and Parklands High Schools in Burnie to identify career aspirations and better understand how their current education can help them get there.”

“Our Youth Coach will work closely with students, schools and external support networks to address barriers and help young people re-engage with learning in a meaningful way.”

The Board recognises the importance of engaging with local communities to gain insights from a variety of perspectives.  Our thanks to Dover District School, Huon Aquaculture, Huonville High School, Huon Valley Trade Training Centre, Huon Valley Council and Southern Employment and Training Network for meeting with us to help us understand community needs.