FUNDING has been secured by the Mitchell Shire Council to help reduce alcohol harm and elevate youth voices in the community.
The shire has secured $200,000 in VicHealth funding over two years to lead an innovative, youth-driven project aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm and strengthening community wellbeing.
The funding comes through the VicHealth Partners in Place program, with the possibility to extend the project for a further three years – bringing the potential total investment to $500,000.
Alcohol-related harm continues to have a significant impact on local families and young people.
Current indicators show 16 per cent of residents are at increased risk of alcohol-related disease or injury with one in four family violence incidents involving alcohol.
These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger, evidence-based approaches to alcohol regulation and community health.
The project will bring together leading researchers, public health experts and local government partners to better understand how alcohol availability, licensing decisions and planning processes shape community outcomes.
They also include the help of Curtin University, the Australian Urban Observatory at RMIT, Omnia Community Health, the Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit, the National Growth Areas Alliance, and partner councils Hume City Council and Hobsons Bay City Council.
A central feature of the project is the creation of a Youth Advisory Group, launching in 2027.
This group will give young people aged 15 to 25 a direct role in shaping how councils assess liquor licence applications and plan for healthier local environments.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the project symbolises a major step forward in addressing alcohol-related harm.
“Alcohol continues to have a real impact on families and young people in Mitchell Shire. This funding allows us to take a proactive, evidence-based approach and importantly, it ensures young people have a genuine voice in shaping the future of their communities,” he said.
More information about the Youth Advisory Group and the expression of interest process will be released next year.
