Media Release by The Hon Sussan Ley MP

$12 million boost for mentoring services Australia-wide

Twelve organisations have been successful in securing a share in $12 million over the next four years under the Howard Government’s Mentor Marketplace programme.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Children and Youth Affairs, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, today congratulated the successful organisations who provide assistance to young people in making a smooth transition from school to further education, training or work.

“The successful organisations will provide access to mentoring for a wide range of young people, including those in foster care, young carers, young people with disabilities, Indigenous young people and those from disadvantaged groups and localities,” Mrs Ley said.

The providers include:

  • Youth Commitment Partnerships;
  • WA Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine;
  • Integrated Family and Youth Services;
  • Youth Off the Streets; Flinders University;
  • Whitelion;
  • School Volunteer Program Incorporated;
  • Centacare Cairns;
  • Northern Tasmania Regional Development Board Ltd;
  • Byron Youth Service Incorporated;
  • Service to Youth Council Incorporated; and
  • Baptist Union of Queensland.

“Flinders University’s Inspire Project, in South Australia, is one of 12 successful organisations which has been operating in 20 schools with 86 active mentors. There are approximately 2,125 students, from some of the state’s most disadvantaged schools, who can engage with a mentor in their classroom.

“To date the Mentor Marketplace programme has helped up to 5,000 young people, aged between 12-25, who need assistance in retaining connection with family, community, education, training and the workplace.

“The program is part of the Government’s response to the Prime Minister’s Youth Pathways Action Plan Taskforce Report, Footprints to the Future.

“By providing our young people with the support and guidance required to help them through challenging periods in their lives, we can better equip them with the skills to assist them in their transition to adulthood,” Mrs Ley said.

The next funding round under the Mentor Marketplace programme will take place later in 2005 and will support up to 15 new projects.