Wednesday, 21 September 2022

 Ms WARD (Eltham) (18:29): (6545) My question is to the Minister for Youth. Minister, on the weekend my youth advisory council put on a wonderful art show in the Eltham town square to raise money to for ReachOut Australia, a mental health service that supports young people across the country who are experiencing mental ill health. The art show was an outstanding success, raising almost $400 for ReachOut, giving young people in my electorate the opportunity to show their art and also sparking a conversation about art being a vehicle for positive self-expression for young people. It also offered a number of young people an opportunity to express their mental health journey. It was an event made even more special through the talents of the Eltham High School choir; the generosity of the Eltham Chamber of Commerce, who helped pay for snags; and the kindness of the Eltham Men’s Shed, who cooked them. Minister, along with my community I am very proud of these young people and all they have achieved. Minister, my question to you is: please detail for me the current funding and investment in place for young people and the supports available to them in mental health as well as the broader support available that will help them achieve their potential.