Message from the CEO

You are here:

Life has certainly changed for all of us and we are responding to all medical advice and maintaining the focus on our core mission:

We will collaborate with partners, donors, communities and alumni in delivering services to young rural Victorians that assist them to develop their personal, professional and leadership capacities

As many of the alumni are current students, we are providing support in three learning and wellbeing related areas. By 30 March we will have Stage 1 of our Rural Youth Network operational. Please see : youthrivevictoria.org.au/network/

Stage 1 consists of a Virtual Learning Hub where anyone can go to find resources to help with learning online, to connect with others in a similar situation, to ask questions and to share insights and experiences.  Our work is focused in rural and regional Victoria so resources will relate to these areas.

Secondly, the Youthrive Alumni Committee and Wellbeing Team members are developing a series of social and wellbeing activities to support alumni members through this time. We know social connection is an important part of building resilience and we are fortunate to live in a time where virtual connection is possible.

Thirdly, the Dream Seeds team is working hard to develop a series of online learning activities for past Dream Seeds participants (Year 6 students). This will be launched in time for the start of Term 2 in Victoria.

These resources will grow over the next weeks and months and I am immensely grateful to the creative and engaged alumni members, staff and pro bono supporters who are working to bring the Rural Youth Network to you.

Prior to Covid-19, there had been a tough summer for many Australians and I would like to acknowledge the brave and selfless work of volunteers and paid responders to the bushfires. We send our best wishes to all who were affected and offer our support, albeit virtually, to you all. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Our staff will be working from home in coming weeks but we will be available by phone and email.

In this newsletter we welcome new scholarship recipients and we celebrate some of the great work of alumni members and the opportunities we provide young rural Victorians.

With very best wishes

Maryann Brown

CEO Youthrive Victoria

 

How can you help?

In these uncertain times, it has been reassuring to receive confirmation from our grant-makers that their current grants will be honoured, and that they are flexible about our need to alter the delivery methods and timing of current grant-funded programs.

It is more important than ever that Youthrive Victoria can find new supporters who recognise the great need that exists now with our new online support and will remain ‘on the other side’ of this health emergency. We all need to support young rural people and help to build thriving rural communities.

I invite you to talk with family, friends and colleagues about the important work of Youthrive Victoria in supporting young rural people. Please encourage them to find out more about the work we do. If they express interest, I can be reached any time on 0403 803 555 and Maryann Brown can be called on 0439 463 333. Information can be found at: https://www.youthrivevictoria.org.au/donate/

Brett Dunlop

Supporter Relations Manager

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