New funded projects

Tasmanians will have greater opportunities to build confidence, skills and stronger connections to their communities thanks to more than $2.9 million in funding from the Tasmanian Community Fund.

The TCF Board recently approved 11 projects that will strengthen learning, leadership and wellbeing through initiatives ranging from intergenerational mentoring and youth leadership to hands-on STEM learning, cultural education and employment pathways.

Among the successful projects is George Town Council's Made for More initiative, which builds on the success of the Our Futures Youth Project to support young people through leadership, mentoring, volunteering and employment pathways.

George Town Council Our Futures – Youth Project Coordinator Andrew Beeston said the project had grown directly from listening to local young people.

"Made for More represents the next chapter in this journey," he said.

"It builds on everything learned through Our Futures and translates youth voice into long-term outcomes in learning, leadership, volunteering and employment readiness.

"We genuinely believe the young people in today's society are made for more than what they are labelled."

The funding will also enable COTA Tasmania to expand its Generations Connect: Tech Together program statewide, pairing young digital mentors with older Tasmanians living in residential aged care.

COTA Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Brigid Wilkinson said the initiative was delivering benefits across generations.

"We are thrilled to have the Fund's support as we work to strengthen the bonds between generations and build more connected communities across Tasmania," she said.

"The program connects young people with potential pathways to future education and employment while helping older Tasmanians build digital confidence and social connection."

Other funded initiatives include strengthening education, training and employment pathways for young people in Circular Head through West North West Working, practical kitchen and garden learning opportunities at Dover District School, culturally safe land management training for Aboriginal young people through the Derwent Catchment Project, creative workshops supporting migrant and refugee students through Terrapin Puppet Theatre and hands-on STEM learning through electric car building and racing at Springfield Gardens Community STEM Club.