THE fate of Swan Hill Rural City Council’s youth support program hangs in the balance, with councillors set to vote on the service’s future tomorrow.
A motion submitted by councillor Michael Adamson proposes to cease funding for the program and instead allocate $100,000 towards youth support.
NOVO Youth Council would receive almost a third of these funds, while a new youth grants program would funnel $60,000 into eligible community groups.
In the past, Cr Adamson has openly criticised the youth program, citing a lack of efficiency and value for money.
Cr Adamson told The Guardian on Friday the council’s youth support services were no longer essential following the recent opening of other services in Swan Hill like headspace and the Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic).
He said the five key areas in the council’s strategic plan were now being fulfilled by other youth support providers.
“I’m trying to encourage the youth council to stand up and be the voice of youth instead of council being the voice of youth,” Cr Adamson said.
“Headspace is here, YACVic has put a community worker in our area and so we don’t need to be doing what other people are doing.
“Let’s not waste ratepayers money on things that are already being done.”
For more on this story, check out Monday’s Guardian (May 16).
