Temora and surrounds are set to benefit from the NSW state government’s Connect IRL Grants Program, with $250,000 allocated to supporting young people across the Murrumbidgee region. Relationships Australia will partner with Headspace to deliver an initiative that aims to benefit isolated local youths. The funding will allow the two organisations to deliver a peer connection group program that aims to foster new friendships and encourage and educate them on how to seek assistance when required. These programs will be delivered in Tumut, Cootamundra and Wagga Wagga, as well Temora. CEO of Relationships Australia Canberra and Regions Lauren Anthes said the funding allows them to provide what young people have been asking for. “The Connect IRL Grant is giving headspace Wagga Wagga the chance to co-create a program with those young people that directly responds to their needs,” Ms Anthes said “Young people in the Riverina have told us clearly: they don’t want more screens; they want more reasons to leave the house and connect. “We’re excited to work with young people in our community to create meaningful in-person connection opportunities, utilising their lived experiences to drive the program’s direction.” The funding comes off the back of the Social Media Summit co-hosted by the NSW and South Australian state governments in October 2024. At this event, young people were invited to give feedback and asked for government support to find a sense of community and belonging. As part of the announcement, NSW Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said that this funding gives the state’s young people opportunities to grow and connect to their communities. “We’ve seen the research. We know that high social media usage is linked with loneliness and distress in young people and every parent knows that our kids are spending more time online,” Minister Jackson said. “With nationwide social media restrictions now in place, we need to make sure we’re filling that void with meaningful connection, ensuring they have opportunities to connect in-person. “This program has been designed with young people, for young people. It’s exactly the kind of practical investment that helps young people thrive and I can’t wait to see these projects in action.” A total of $2 million has been dedicated across the 11 successful applications, with projects also rolling out in Sydney, Lismore, Armidale, Nowra, Baradine and Boggabilla.
