10 Jan 2018 Mansfield Courier, Mansfield VIC (General News) THE Mansfield Shire will receive more than $200,000 to help the next generation connect with the community. Announced on Friday by upper house member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria), the funding comes from the State Governments Engage! program. The Bonnie Doon Community Group will receive some $95,000 to fund their youth activities, which include a drop-in centre, holiday program, homework club and youth mentor. This is fantastic news for Bonnie Doon it will enable the community centre to continue their active youth program that they have been running for a number of years now, and it will certainly assist the young people of Bonnie Doon, Bonnie Doon ward councillor, Paul Sladdin, said. The Mansfield Shire will receive $120,000 to fund MY LEaP, Mansfield Youth Leadership and Engagement Program, which is designed to help build a network of young leaders in the shire who will come together to learn, share ideas, knowledge and experience. Strong leadership in small rural communities such as Mansfield is so important, Mansfield Shire Council community services manager, Melanie Hotton, said. It is essential that we, as todays leaders, develop and support the leaders of tomorrow. Ms Hottons comments were echoed by Ms Symes, who said backing the next generation was important for their success and selfconfidence later in life. These projects give our youth the hands-on experiences they need to achieve their personal and professional goals, and I encourage more young people to get involved, Ms Symes said when announcing the funding. Every young person should have the opportunity and support they need to reach their full potential. Engage! is helping young people of different backgrounds and experiences get involved in a range of activities so they can achieve their goals. A total of 18 different organisations from Northern Victoria will share in almost $2 million worth of funding for the projects, all designed to support people aged between 12 and 25. The groups join the further 107 local government and community organisations across the state to share in the $12.3 million Engage! 2018-20 programs. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.