Local "Shine" youth program gets massive government grant

Member for Durack Melissa Price is thrilled to announce educational organisation SHINE, which works with young women who are at risk of disengaging from the education system and society, will receive a massive $450,000 over the next three years to improve education among young women in Geraldton. 

SHINE will receive the funding under the Australian Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) grant round. 

A passionate advocate for better education for regional youth, Ms Price said the project would be an excellent boost to young women in Geraldton. 

“SHINE is a unique organisation which not just keeps young women engaged and motivated in school, but builds their self-esteem, confidence and general wellbeing in a great environment,” Ms Price said. 

“The organisation provides a complimentary programme which keeps both Indigenous and non-Indigenous young women in the education system, by offering hands-on training in hairdressing and beauty therapy. 

“Participants visit aged care facilities to do beauty treatments for residents as part of their practical experience.” 

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said the Government’s investment through the IAS grant round had increased from $860 million to $1 billion, with 996 organisations to receive funding for over 1,350 projects throughout Australia. 

“The increased investment through the grant round is the result of the Government honouring its commitment to provide longer funding agreements for important frontline services and ensure that any gaps that emerged as part of the round were filled as quickly as possible,” Minister Scullion said. 

“This increased investment will help deliver on the Government’s key priorities of getting children to school and adults to work and making communities safer.”