THE Federal Government and NSW Government are partnering to connect disadvantaged young people with education, training and employment in New South Wales, each investing in the Get Back in the Game Program to help organisations deliver specialist support to young people aged 15 to 21.

The program is available across the New England and north-west regions through Careers Network, which has offices in Moree, Narrabri, Inverell, Tamworth and Armidale.

The funding, through the $100 million Commonwealth Outcomes Fund, will support around 1400 young people a year who may not have reached their full potential.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Get Back on Track will help to tackle intergenerational disadvantage in communities across New South Wales.

“This is all about helping more young people get great training, get a great job and get ahead,” Mr Chalmers said.

“No matter who you are or where you live, you deserve a decent education and a decent opportunity to earn a good living and provide for your loved ones.

“We’re backing local organisations to give local kids the opportunities they need and deserve.

“Programs like this one will help us tackle intergenerational disadvantage in communities right around Australia where a national approach on its own will never be enough.”

Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, said investing in local partnerships ensures Government funding is tailored to the needs of young people and their communities.

“The Outcomes Fund will give community organisations under the Get Back in the Game Program the flexibility to design and deliver services for young people that recognises where they are at and will get the best results they need,” Ms Rishworth said.

“I am excited to be partnering with the NSW Government on the program so community organisations can get on with their important work with young people across NSW.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said empowering our youth is crucial for building a stronger future for New South Wales.

“I’ve met some of the young people who have benefited from this program – it quite literally has changed their lives.  From being disengaged from school to building a career.  It is producing results for young people,” Mr Whan said.

“By investing in skills training and education opportunities, we are ensuring that no young person is left behind. This program will provide essential pathways for those who need it the most. Thank you to the Albanese Government for investing in this important program.”

Participants must be aged 15-21 and not be a current participant in any Commonwealth or NSW program or service supporting youth transitions to work or study.

The Get Back in the Game program is the last of the four projects to be announced from the first Expression of Interest process under the $100 million Commonwealth Outcomes Fund.

The Outcomes Fund gives providers the flexibility to tailor services to the needs of communities and young people. They receive payments when outcomes are achieved.

The Fund aims to achieve service delivery and funding reform as part of the over $200 million Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage package.

Sue Watson, Manager of Yourtown’s Get Back in the Game program, said the program funding will make a real difference for disengaged youth.

“Yourtown works together with young people to uncover and supercharge their strengths, providing the practical training, education and skills development they need to land a job and break the cycle of unemployment,” Ms Watson said.

“Our program creates pathways to help young people unlock their potential and achieve a bright future. This funding makes a real difference to these young people.”

New England and North West

Local provider: Careers Network

Offices in: Tamworth, Armidale, Moree, Inverell and Narrabri

SA4 region: New England and North West

Program Manager: Debbie Taekata

Contact Email: [email protected]

Contact Phone: 02 6763 4800

Website: www.careersnetwork.org.au

Delivering: Get in the Game and Back in the Game