Disengaged youth in the Far West will be better supported with $29,666 in funding awarded under the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Tackling Tough Times Together initiative.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton met with the Making Tracks Far West NSW Inc. team while he was in Broken Hill today, and said the grant will help deliver the Making Tracks Program.

“I’m very pleased that the Far West of my electorate will benefit from funding under this FRRR initiative, which has been backed by the Federal Coalition Government,” Mr Coulton said.

“Through this grant funding, the Making Tracks Program will help increase self-esteem, community engagement and work readiness skills in disengaged youth.

“This program is about supporting positive education and employment outcomes, which we know has an important role to play in regional communities.

“This project shows great initiative from Broken Hill, and I congratulate Making Tracks Far West NSW on their foresight.”

The grant funding awarded to Making Tracks Far West NSW has also been matched by ANZ Regional Business Banking.

Mr Coulton said the FRRR plays a major role in helping regional communities cope with emergencies and natural disasters.

“It’s great to see this latest injection of much-needed support into communities doing it particularly tough – a total of 48 community groups in drought-affected regions across the country,” Mr Coulton said.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with the board of the FRRR when I am next in Canberra for Parliament.

“Earlier this week I visited the Cobar Mobile Children’s Service, which has also received funding under this grants program, to support isolated children with their education.

“These are important initiatives and I’m very pleased with the benefits they will provide to the local community, especially given the challenging dry times.”

The Liberal and Nationals Government has committed $15 million to the Tackling Tough Times Together program, which is also supported by a number of businesses, philanthropic organisations and individuals. Further information can be found on the Foundation’s website at https://www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT