Vote for a labyrinth

A labyrinth in Warragul’s Burke Street park could become a reality after the project was shortlisted for the state government’s community fundraising initiative, Pick My Project.

Members of the Baw Baw Community Labyrinth group are delighted to have their project submission approved to progress to the voting stage, one of 2500 in Victoria.

Under the initiative projects with the most votes will receive state government funding, and members of the group are appealing to the community to include the labyrinth project in their vote.

People can choose their favourite three from a minimum of 30 projects.

In a statement, the group said a labyrinth would benefit everyone..

“It is envisaged that the labyrinth will be the centrepiece, surrounded by beautiful landscaping, solar lighting, seats, interpretive signage, an ornamental peace pole and various art elements that will enhance the aesthetic of the area,” the statement said.

“The labyrinth project will also reinvigorate the well-used Warragul Linear Arts Trail and nearby Hazel Creek.

“The project will offer employment opportunities for many locals including artists, landscape designers, construction workers, engineers, parks and gardens employees, concreters and nurserymen.”

A labyrinth has a single path to and from the centre. This inward journey offers the chance to relax and let go and the outward journey an opportunity to make a change.

Labyrinths offer a form of walking meditation and can be used by individuals, schools, kindergartens, people with special needs, walking groups, sporting clubs and tai chi and yoga groups. Voting closes on Monday, September 17.

To explain the voting process and to encourage the public to vote for the Baw Baw Community Labyrinth project, many pop-up promotional events will be held around Warragul including workshops at West Gippsland Library and at Warragul Community house.

To vote, visit the Pick My Project website at https://pickmyproject.vic.gov.au, click on categories, go to Community Inclusion, Health and Safety and cast your vote for Baw Baw Community Labyrinth.

A FReeZA Committee will be reestablished in Baw Baw Shire in the coming months to help deliver youthfocused events and activities.

The news follows Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos announcing a $73,500 grant over three years to Baw Baw Shire as part of a $7.2 million FReeZA program.

Baw Baw Shire mayor Joe Gauci said the FReeZA Committee would be re-established. The representative group of young people aged 12 to 25 will be encouraged and assisted to take a leadership role in organising youth-focused events.

“Through the development of council’s Youth Policy and Strategy, we know that young people want to be more involved,” said Cr Gauci. “During the consultation process, young people asked to have more opportunities to have a say, to contribute and make a difference, and to feel valued by society.”

“To support healthy, active and diverse lifestyles, Baw Baw young people are also seeking assistance to participate more in community, cultural and recreational activities, and hope to see stronger acceptance of young people from diverse cultures and backgrounds,” he added. “FReeZA would be one way of helping to achieve these expressed needs of young people in Baw Baw Shire.”

Ms Mikakos, in announcing funding for 77 local government and community organisations as part of the $7.2 million FReeZA program, said young Victorians would get a helping hand to build their confidence and explore creative careers thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

“FReeZA is a great way for young people to get hands-on experience in setting up events – whether it’s live music shows, BMX expos or art and short film competitions – but also to celebrate their talents and the contribution young people make to our state,” said Ms Mikakos.

More than 150,000 young people from a diverse range of backgrounds across Victoria attend more than 400 FReeZA events every year.

FReeZA is an innovative youth development program providing opportunities for young Victorians aged 12 to 25 to enjoy gigs, dance parties and other cultural, recreational and artistic events that are drug, alcohol and smoke-free.

FReeZA also funds The Push – an independent youth music and event management organisation, which helps young people organise their own live events.

Young people are encouraged to participate and perform in FReeZA events, but also to get involved behind the scenes and learn skills that may lead to employment in the arts and music industry.

In addition to a youth focus in Baw Baw Shire, a call is being made for 14 young people aged 15 to 25 years from the Latrobe Valley to put up their hand and join the first youth governance committee for Youth Space Latrobe.

The committee will help set an agenda, drive change and give voice to priority issues for young people as part of the Labor Government’s $4.3 million Youth Space Latrobe.

Work is currently underway to find a permanent home for the space, with a grand opening expected in the coming months.

Training will also be provided in areas like how a committee operates, budgeting and finance, communication and advocacy, presentation techniques and social media.

Applications close on Friday, August 31. For further information, visit lva.vic.gov.au/youth-space-latrobe.