The $19,000 Youth Opportunities grant, applied for and awarded to Port Stephens Council which oversees YAP, will be used for the panel’s Pathways and Possibility project.

“This grant will be used for two advocacy-based projects to be delivered by YAP members,” Liz Akerman, the council’s acting community development and engagement coordinator, said.

“There’s a strong interest in digital storytelling to focus on key issues identified by, and for, youth. These stories will be produced by our YAP and are anticipated to launch during Youth Week 2019 [April 8 to 17].

“Pathways and Possibilities is a unique program as it’s truly the culmination of ideas developed by, and for the youth of Port Stephens.

“With our YAP leading this, we expect more local youth to engage in discussion of key issues produced by their peers within the community.”

NSW Minister Ray Williams made the funding announcement in Raymond Terrace on Wednesday, January 23.

Joined by YAP member Haylee Cupitt, 15, Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer, council staff, Duty MLC Catherine Cusack and the Liberal candidate for the state seat of Port Stephens, Jaimie Abbott, Mr Williams said he was pleased that the NSW Government could support the panel’s project.

“We know if young people are engaged in the community and have opportunities to upskill they can overcome a range of obstacles and achieve great things for themselves and others,” he said.

Cr Palmer said he appreciated the contribution, adding that the council was anticipating more than 200 young people being involved in the development of the project.

Ms Abbott, who is also a Port Stephens councillor, said she was “thrilled that young people from our community will be getting this help to plan and determine their priorities for Port Stephens”.

“I look forward to working with them, and supporting the YAP to develop plans for this region,” she said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Williams, Ms Cusack and Ms Abbott visited Eagleton Ridge Disability Services.

The service offers accommodation, respite, day service, community participation and supported holidays for people with a disability.

During the visit Mr Williams, who is the NSW Minister for Disability Services, presented a cheque for $2000 which will enable the service to buy an outdoor screen, projector and PA audio system for movie and disco nights.

Eagleton Ridge Disability Services director Belinda Furlonger said the organisation was grateful for the funding. 

“We are pleased to be able to offer the local community the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor movie or disco with clients staying at the centre,” she said.