Andrew Leigh

MEDIA RELEASE

Young people on Canberr'a northside urged to apply to help them be creative young stars

Andrew Leigh, Member for Fraser, today urged students and young people in Fraser to apply to share in $23,500 to help them develop their talents and chase their dreams by taking part in creative, cultural, academic and community activities.

Dr Leigh previously announced applications under the Australian Government’s $8 million Creative Young Stars program which is a feature of Creative Australia, the Australian Government national cultural policy.

The program will invest $23,500 per financial year in Fraser, and the first funding round will open on 1 June and close this Friday, 21 June 2013. The program will deliver grants of $500 for individuals and $3000 for groups of six or more in Fraser. The program will provide funding for successful applicants aged 25 and under.

“Canberra’s northside is full of young people who have many great talents and who will use those to make a fantastic contribution to our community once they get the chance to develop those talents further,” Dr Leigh

“But in some cases their families find it difficult to meet the extra costs associated with participating in activities, events and training.

“The Australian Government is determined to help young Australians reach their potential in all walks of life, be that at school, be that at finding a job, or be that in areas such as the arts, community service and leadership, or academia,” Dr Leigh said.

“That’s why we are complementing our record investments and improvements in areas such as school education with a $23,500 investment each financial year to help young people on the northside develop their potential in areas that go beyond the classroom.

“These grants will help young people further develop their creative talents by helping them take part in competitions, eisteddfods, public speaking tournaments and other cultural, artistic or academic events.

“I am proud that the Australian Government is able to make this practical investment to ensure that more young people in Canberra’s north get the chance to reach their potential and make an even greater contribution to our community in the creative fields.

“I strongly encourage students and young people, their parents and carers on the northside to apply for a Creative Young Stars grant to help them chase their dreams,” Dr Leigh said.

In Round 1, the program will deliver grants to 12 individuals and two groups in each of the 150 Federal Electorates across Australia.

For more information on the Creative Young Stars program visit www.youth.gov.au/sites/youth/news/pages/creative-young-stars