This morning I joined James Merlino, the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairsm who announced a $10,000 grant to Maroondah City Council through the Victoria Rocks, Music Equipment Grant. The money received will fund a Council project called “Before the Gig”, which will provide a greater level of access to music equipment for young people in Maroondah.

The program will run through EV’s Youth Centre and will allow Council to purchase music equipment (including acoustic and electric guitars, a drum kit and portable amplifiers) that will be available for young people to use free of charge. Ultimately the project will create new opportunities for local young people to participate in the arts and to increase their music skills.

In addition, it will provide resources to support local partnerships between EV’s Youth Centre and several organisations, including Eastern Access Community Health (EACH), the Migrant Information Centre, Arrabri Community House and the Rock School at Croydon Community School.

I would like to thank the Minister and the State Government for the $10,000 grant. In addition, EV’s Youth Centre has been chosen as a venue for the State wide FReeZA Central Tour, which will feature a range of musical acts on Friday the 27th of August. This is a significant opportunity for young people in our community and it is fantastic to see the State Government recognise the importance of EV’s Youth Centre.