Media Release: Youth support services still available

Council’s youth team will continue to support Maroondah’s young people and their families over the Christmas school holidays.

Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin said the last session of the EV’s Lounge drop-in program is on Friday 17 December, but youth workers are still available over the summer break.

“During the holidays our youth workers will be only be a phone call away for any young person 12-25 years old who is in need of assistance or referral to another support agency,” Cr Makin said.

“So if you or someone you know finds themselves in a position where they need support or help, then our youth workers can provide information on almost any issue, including school, finding a job, family issues, getting involved in the community, or if a young person is just having a hard time,” Cr Makin said.

“For those wanting information outside of business hours the Maroondah Youth Services website offers a range of information including activities on offer in Maroondah to keep young people entertained, contact details for other local support services, and other resources for young people and their families,” Cr Makin said.

“The Maroondah Youth Card is also a good source of information. The handy wallet-sized card provides a range of afterhours support numbers which can be used in times of need,” Cr Makin said.

“The card, which caters for people aged 12-25, also includes discounts for local businesses and recreational facilities which will definitely come in handy over the summer break,” Cr Makin said.

To get your hands on the card visit www.maroondahyouthservices.com or pick one up at EV’s Youth Centre, 212 Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon or Council Service Centres.

For more information contact Council’s Youth Services team on 9294 5709, email mys@maroondah.vic.gov.au or visit www.maroondahyouthservices.com

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2010 Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening

The Maroondah Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening provides an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts younger people make through volunteering within their communities. Tonight’s function reinforces the strength of volunteering that exists within Maroondah and highlights the positive work that younger people undertake in a voluntary capacity.

Volunteering not only benefits the community but can also provide educational and employment pathways through the development of new skills and experience. There are a range of volunteer opportunities and I encourage younger people to look at how they can become involved in the community.

The speech provided during the recognition evening is available within this entry:

In the spirit of Reconciliation, we acknowledge that we are meeting on land for which the Wurundjeri people have been custodians for many centuries, and on land which the Indigenous Australians have performed age old ceremonies.

We, Maroondah City Council, accept, respect and have shared with the Wurundjeri people in their customs of welcome.

The Wurundjeri people support the coming together of all people, respecting their individuality to focus on a unified and cohesive nation.

Good Evening and welcome to EV’s Youth Centre for Maroondah City Council’s Annual Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening. I am very pleased to be here tonight to take part in an evening that celebrates Maroondah’s young people.

Council’s Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening is held in recognition and appreciation of the outstanding contribution made by young volunteers and leaders in the Maroondah Community.

As I look around the room tonight, I see a number of inspirational young leaders and volunteers from the Maroondah Community. The dedication these young people have shown towards their volunteer work is inspiring and has helped brighten so many lives around them.

Each nominee should be very proud of their volunteer work and that an individual from their relevant school, agency or organisation has acknowledged their efforts by nominating them for tonight’s award ceremony.

On behalf of Maroondah City Council and our local residents, I would like to thank and congratulate all the nominees for their dedication and commitment to their work. Volunteering is something that often goes unnoticed, but the value it gives to our community is immeasurable. It improves the lives of so many and should be celebrated and recognised. It is young people like yourselves that build strong community to make Maroondah such a fantastic place to live.

I would also like to thank the representatives from schools, church groups, service clubs and various organisations for their efforts in assisting young people achieve their goals through volunteering. A special mention to the individuals who took time out of their busy schedules to assist with the nominations. With your support, Maroondah City Council is able to formally recognise the contributions of the young people here tonight.

Thank you also to Council’s Youth Services Team; for your hard work in putting this event together. Tonight is one of many great events and programs run by Council’s Youth Services Team, so be sure to speak with a team member if you would like any further information. We shall now commence the presentation of these well deserved awards.

Maroondah Leader: Cash boost for musicians

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the $10,000 State Government grant that will be provided through EV’s Youth Centre in Croydon to ensure youth musicians will be able to utilise music equipment for rehearsals and performances.

Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin said the announcement recognised the dedication of the council’s youth services team.

“It is great to see EV’s and Croydon on the map for the services they provide,” Cr Makin said.

EV’s Youth Centre will be hosting the FReeZACentral gig on the 27th of August, featuring musicians from around the country. This event will serve to reinforce the importance of EV’s Youth Centre in providing a safe environment for younger people to be able to enjoy live music.