Local youth groups should consider bidding for a NSW Government grant of up to $50,000 to expand their operations and deliver even better services during a time of great need, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis.

“This is a great chance to get youth-focused projects up and running,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“There is $1.5 million available for projects that help young people in our local area learn new skills, make friends and create stronger communities.”

The program provides one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to not-for-profit organisations and local councils for projects that remove barriers preventing youth from taking up new opportunities.

Since the program began in 2012, Youth Opportunities has provided almost $12 million in funding to close to 247 projects across the state, including a significant grant to Richmond Valley Council in 2018 for a youth-driven community event called the ‘Cow Town Chow Down Youth Festival’.