The Victorian government's Marram Nganyin Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program recipients have been announced, aiming to enhance mentorship for young Aboriginal people across the state.
The term Marram Nganyin, derived from the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People, translates to 'we are strong.'
The Koorie Youth Council will provide support to organisations in running programs.
Five Aboriginal organisations will each receive grants of up to $335,000 over three years including:
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Bunjilwarra Koori youth healing service in Mornington Peninsula will deliver a mentoring program within a residential rehabilitation service for young aboriginal people in Hastings
Weenthunga Health Network in the City of Yarra will support young first nations women with careers in health/wellbeing through a mentoring program for young women
Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place in the City of Whitehorse will codesign and deliver a community led youth program
Rumbalara Football and Netball Club in Greater Shepparton will bring together young people aged 15-19 to co-design their own leadership program with mentors
Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation in Glenelg and Southern Grampians Shires through the Karreeta Koornong Marr project will support young people aged 12 - 25 with a three-year mentoring program which aims to connect them to culture, build leadership skills and support their future goals.
Victoria's Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman said the Marram Nganyin youth mentoring program is about supporting "Aboriginal self-determination by investing in programs that support young First Nations people to achieve their goals".
"Aboriginal-led organisations understand the needs of young Aboriginal Victorians, and this funding gives these groups the support they need to engage young people with both their community and Country," she said.
This program offers young Aboriginal people social and practical assistance to reinforce family and community bonds, gain cultural insights, and participate in education, training, and employment.
Since 2016, Marram Nganyin has aided 300 young Aboriginal people through flexible, location-specific mentoring programs, offering tailored support that reflects the diversity of Aboriginal communities across Victoria.
The state government noted that Indigenous Victorians crafted and implemented the program, a component of the Investing Early Where It Matters package, totaling over $23 million.
