New funding an investment in the future of young Tasmanians

The Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF) has announced its latest grants from the August board meeting, with $1.14 million directed to community-led initiatives across the state.

This round placed a strong emphasis on supporting young people, empowering them with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

Youth Opportunities received the largest grant of $824,709 to deliver its Personal Leadership Pathways Project in the Derwent Valley.

The five-year program will reach young people aged 10 to 18, helping them to build confidence, engage with their education and plan for their futures.

Youth Opportunities Executive Manager, Revenue and Partnerships Natalie Matulick said the project was transformational.

“Mental health and school disengagement are major challenges, particularly in regional communities and this is where organisations like the Tasmanian Community Fund and Youth Opportunities step in,” she said.

“The five years of funding from TCF means we can co-design what the project looks like on the ground in the Derwent Valley, employ local staff, and ensure a sustainable service that lasts well after the funding has finished.

“Local schools have welcomed Youth Opportunities with open arms and we look forward to a very successful partnership over the coming years.

“It is our hope that through the life of this project we are able to showcase how this type of program can be replicated in other regions across Tasmania.”

Another project to receive funding was Devil Robotics, which was awarded $50,000 to establish the Future Makers Hub at Mt Nelson.

The hub will give students access to hands-on robotics and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) experiences in a dedicated, permanent space.

President Bianca Shannon said the new facility would give young people the chance to learn by doing.

“The Future Makers Hub will provide a permanent space where students can engage in designing, fabricating, coding and building,” she said.

“Students gain not only technical skills like coding, CAD design and 3D printing, but also transferable skills, teamwork, resilience, communication and leadership.”

This round of funding also supported a broad range of initiatives across Tasmania.

Junction Arts Festival will run an artist-in-residence program with West Launceston Primary School, connecting children to the arts as a pathway to wellbeing and resilience.

The Campania District School Association will develop its Growing Minds outdoor learning space, giving students real-world skills in agriculture, sustainability and enterprise.

A culturally responsive education and leadership program will support Farsi-speaking young people to overcome barriers to learning and build confidence, while other projects will expand community-based programs in the arts, environment and youth engagement.

TCF Chair Kym Goodes said the grants demonstrated the Fund’s commitment to strengthening communities by investing in projects that create long-term benefits.

“These grants are about investing in people and communities, particularly our young people, so they can thrive academically, socially and personally,” she said.

“The Tasmanian Community Fund exists to give communities the support they need to create real and lasting change and this round of funding is a wonderful example of that in action.”

The meeting was held in Scottsdale and during the visit, we discussed opportunities, challenges, areas of focus and all things 'young people' with Dorset Employment Connect, Winnaleah District School, Dorset Council and Health Consumers Tasmania – Dorset. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a valuable visit for the team - connecting with purpose and listening to our communities is important work!