Media Release: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO MENTOR GEELONG YOUTH

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER

DATE: Friday, September 19, 2003

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO MENTOR GEELONG YOUTH

The Premier, Steve Bracks, today called for volunteers for a new Geelong program to help local troubled youth get their lives back on track.

Launching Big Brothers Big Sisters in Geelong and the South West, Mr Bracks said the early intervention program recruits, trains and supports volunteers to act as mentors for vulnerable young people aged between seven and 17.

“This fantastic program will provide invaluable support to many local young people and I encourage volunteers to join,” Mr Bracks said.

“The program puts vulnerable young people back in touch with the community and gives the community the opportunity to help those experiencing tough times.

“And this is the first time the program has expanded outside metropolitan Melbourne.”

The Geelong program is a collaborative project between Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia, the Stockland Corporation and BAYSA Youth Services.

The Victorian Government will provide $91,284 to fund the Melbourne-based programs for 2003/04. This is in addition to a $120,000 one off grant made in June.

As part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, volunteers spend between two and six hours each week with their young person for at least a year. They participate in activities that build the young person’s self-esteem and confidence.

“The program has helped more than 2000 young Victorians improve their lives since it was set up as a pilot program in 1980,” Mr Bracks said.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters and their volunteers are to be congratulated for the work they do and the significant contributions they have made to the lives of young people.”

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program began in the US in the early 1900s after a Children’s Court judge identified the need for a mentor program for young offenders.