Community organisations supporting younger residents of the Clarence and Richmond Valleys should consider applying for a share of a $1.2 million Community in Partnership Taking Action (COMPACT) fund, says Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis. “We know local youth groups can be highly effective in empowering young people, preventing crime and reducing mental health problems,” Mr Gulaptis said. The Clarence Youth Action group is a terrific example of this and they have been recognised symbolically as the Northern Rivers 2017 Volunteer Group of the Year and in cold hard cash with a $48,000 NSW Liberals and Nationals Government grant to keep up their good work. “I want to see more groups funded to help build the social infrastructure we need to ensure our kids are more likely to stay in the area as adults and less likely to suffer mental illness. “That is why I encourage local youth services providers and community organisations to apply for this opportunity to join the COMPACT Alliance.” For more information go to www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au and click on the grants tab.  Applications close on 7 August 2018.