Scouts and Guides groups across East Gippsland have the chance to apply for funds to improve the safety, functionality and longevity of their facilities as part of a $4 million Coalition Government Scout and Guides Facilities grant program.

“Our local Scouts and Guides groups have played a significant role in shaping our young people for more than 100 years.

“This funding will help these groups update facilities, which will in turn attract a new generation of Scouts and Guides,” said Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.

“Like so many small service groups across the community, Scouts and Guides find it challenging to come up with extra funds which can be used to improve facilities.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Scouts and Guides to be rewarded with the funding they so desperately need to make upgrades.”

Minister for Youth Affairs, Ryan Smith, said “with this funding Scouts and Guides Victoria will be able to continue their fantastic work in supporting, training and mentoring young Victorians”.

Girl Guides Victoria’s State Commissioner, Margaret Devlin, said the grants would help meet the challenge of attracting and supporting the next generation of Girl Guides.

“This infrastructure funding will go a long way to upgrade a number of facilities and will allow us to work with local councils and communities to support them as well,” Ms Devlin said.

Chief Commissioner of Scouts Victoria, Bob Taylor, said it was fantastic the Victorian Government had recognised the importance and benefits of Scouting and Guiding in today’s society.

“Our adult leaders put in over half a million volunteer hours a year providing activities to develop the intellectual, social, physical, spiritual and emotional aptitudes of young people,” Mr Taylor said.

Applications close 1 November, 2011. For further information on the grants program visit: www.youth.vic.gov.au, www.vicscouts.com.au or www.guidesvic.org.au