The Andrews Labor Government is supporting young people in Hepburn Shire with funding for youth-led events for the 2023 Victorian Youth Fest.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre INC is a recipient of 2023 Victorian Youth Fest grants, who will share in over $200,000 total funding to host youth-led events and activities.

Victorian Youth Fest is a month-long celebration in September, which provides grants of up to $2,000 to eligible organisations to host events, led by and for young people aged between 12 and 25. It provides opportunities to showcase talents, grow networks and to connect with peers.

Level-up Creswick will be a face-to-face gaming event – initially target socially isolated young people in an activity they enjoy, with the long-term aim of combating social disconnection by taking something that can be isolating and using it as a point of connection.

Event goers will have access to all the latest generation gaming consoles, Virtual Reality (VR) headset's, giant projector screens, a dozen TV's and heaps of retro gaming technology.

Applications supporting regional and rural events, and underrepresented community groups were prioritised through the Youth Fest program.

For more information, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/youth-fest.

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“We’re so proud to support local young people to lead the design and delivery of events for their community.”

“Level-Up Creswick will provide a space for like-minded people to get together in a safe and engaging space.”

Quote attributable to Creswick Neighbourhood Centre Manager Chrissy Austin

“We realise there are some gaps in services and programs for young people in Creswick, which is why we’re excited to host Level-Up Creswick during Youth Week this September.”

“Aimed at 10 to 14-year- olds, the Centre hopes this event will kick off some great discussions and show young people they are welcome at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre and will be the start of more exciting things to come.”

“Event partner, Level Up Gaming will bring in equipment such as VR Headsets, Mario Kart live circuit augmented reality karts, new consoles and racing steering wheels – with lots of great games and instructions/tips from experienced gamers.”