Applications for 2017 National Youth Week grants have officially opened for local councils, community organisations and schools in Melbourne’s outer north, Member for Yuroke Ros Spence announced today.

Ms Spence said grants of up to $2000 were available for councils, community organisations and schools to support local young people to plan and host events and activities during National Youth Week 2017.

National Youth Week is an annual, week-long celebration of young people aged 12 to 25 years, allowing them to express their creativity and have their say about issues that are important to them.

The grants can be used for local young people to develop and hold events, activities and projects, such as art shows, music concerts, cultural days, sporting events or workshops and forums.

The grants will go towards showcasing local achievements and getting young people involved.

Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos opened the grants round at the Swan Hill Youth Forum, the first of 12 regional and metropolitan Youth Forums.

The forums are a precursor to Victoria’s inaugural Youth Summit, to be held during National Youth Week 2017.

In 2017, National Youth Week will be held from 31 March to 9 April. Applications are open until Friday, 11 November 2016. Visit www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au for more details, or to apply.