Mentoring Australia’s youth

The Minister for Community Services, John Cobb, joined with the Governor-General, Major-General Michael Jeffrey today to announce a new partnership between the Australian Government and community organisations, providing Australian youth with further mentoring opportunities.

Mr Cobb said the National Youth Mentoring Partnership will foster the growth and development of high quality mentoring programs for young people in Australia.

‘Australian Government, The Smith Family, Job Futures, Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia and the Dusseldorp Skills Forum, will combine their knowledge and resources to improve the quality of young people’s lives,’ Mr Cobb said.

‘This partnership will be further supported by the new National Youth Mentoring Network Website, which will provide mentoring practitioners access to current resources and research, as well as providing a link to other programs across Australia.

‘The website will be a central point for mentoring organisations, mentors and mentees seeking the latest information, contacts and advice available for their local area.

‘Many young people need a role model that they can look up to and someone who can provide them with support and advice, and this can often be the difference between someone going off the rails or becoming a valued member of society.

‘The Australian Government recognises young people need support and guidance and through the $12 million Mentor Marketplace programme, we are delivering mentoring opportunities for Australia’s youth.

‘The Mentor Marketplace programme increases the mentoring opportunities for young people by bringing together mentors and young people and promoting the value of mentoring within their communities.

‘The new National Youth Mentoring Partnership will continue to build on mentoring initiatives like the Mentor Marketplace programme, which has already helped more than 5000 young people from across Australia,’ Mr Cobb said.

Related information
Youth Mentoring