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Goulburn Valley youth to receive mentoring guidance

Feb 12, 2024

**Guidance:** Victorian Indigenous groups, including one in the Goulburn Valley, are to receive funds to support mentoring programs. Photo by mirza kadic

Goulburn Valley Indigenous youth will benefit from the guidance of mentors thanks to the latest round of Marram Nganyin grants.

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Marram Nganyin translates to “we are strong” in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People, and since 2016, the Marram Nganyin Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program has provided 300 young people with specific support.

Five Indigenous organisations will each receive grants of up to $335,000 over three years under the latest grants.

Among them is the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club in Greater Shepparton, to help youth aged 15 to 19 to co-design their own leadership program with mentors.

Other recipients include the Bunjilwarra Koori youth healing service on the Mornington Peninsula, the Weenthunga Health Network in the City of Yarra, the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place in the City of Whitehorse and the Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation in Glenelg and Southern Grampians shires.

“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,” Youth Minister 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.”

The program aims to help young Indigenous people strengthen their family and community relationships, learn about culture, and engage with education, training and employment.

Designed and delivered by First Nations Victorians, the program is being delivered as part of the government’s more than $23 million Investing Early Where It Matters package.