National Youth Week is the one time of year where the whole of the nation comes together to celebrate our young people.

National Youth Week is the chance for all young Australians to get involved, have a say and celebrate the fantastic things they do for their communities.

In Victoria, NYW 2010 promises to be an action packed week full of fun, celebrations and entertainment throughout the state.

Following on from 2009’s great youth-led events such as concerts, forums, BMX and skate competitions and hip hop extravaganzas, I look forward to the events and celebrations for 2010.

Participating in NYW 2010 will help build respectful and healthy communities in which young people volunteer and support each other and acknowledge the significant contributions that young people make.

Once again the Victorian Government is very proud to announce our partnership with beyondblue: the national depression initiative, to support the NYW grants program.

The Victorian NYW grants aim to support young people’s participation in NYW week events across the state and allow young people to develop, plan, manage and participate in events, adding their own local flavor to express their creativity, meet new people, volunteer and have their voices heard.

NYW 2010 calls for young people to ‘live it now’ and take advantage of the opportunities available for them to celebrate and showcase their talents and skills for their peers, friends, family and their entire community.

I encourage the young people of Victoria to ‘live it now’ and get involved in this great celebration.

James Merlino MP
Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs