Shortstack: a round up of news, views and opportunities

Growing young farmers careers

Young farmers across the state can now apply for the 2022 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships.

Under the program, eligible young farmers can receive up to $10,000 to upskill through training or education, and to invest on-farm or for further professional development.

Applications are open to farmers aged 35 or under who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the past three months, with at least two years total experience on-farm.

Find out more at: go.vic.gov.au/khjYo9. Applications close April 18.

Get Active kids

A new round of $200 Get Active Kids vouchers is now available.

Parents can apply online for a voucher which can then be redeemed at a registered provider such as a local sporting club or organisation.

Applications close May 31. getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.

Youth Fest funding available

Grants of $2000 are available to help organisations, schools and council present events and activities as part of the Victorian Youth Fest in September.

Groups needs to work in partnership with young Victorians aged 12-25 to host face-to-face, digital or hybrid events that create opportunities for young people to showcase their skills, share their ideas and expand their networks.

Applications are open until April 29. youthcentral.vic.gov.au/youth-fest.

Disability awards nominations

Nominations are open for people who have made an outstanding contribution to making Victoria more inclusive for people with a disability for this year’s Victorian Disability Awards.

Nominations are open until May 3 and can be made at www.dffh.vic.gov.au/victorian-disability-awards.

Trained jobseekers for hospitality

Five hundred jobseekers are being rapidly recruited and trained to support hospitality businesses facing current staff shortages.

Recruitment runs until September and workers will receive five days paid hospitality training such as food handling, barista and responsible service of alcohol training, uniforms and tools of the trade.

Small and medium-sized hospitality businesses urgently needing staff can access the pool of workers.

Hospitality businesses looking for staff and jobseekers looking to participate can register their interest at www.jobs.vic.gov.au.

Victorian training awards

Outstanding individuals and organisations in the TAFE and training sector can now be nominated for the Victorian Training Awards 2022.

There are six award categories for individuals, three for employers and four for training organisations. Applications close on May 27.

Cultural burning

The first round of the Cultural Fire Grants, boosting Traditional Owner led cultural land and fire management practices is now open.

Grants will be available to traditional owners with and without formal recognition in two streams – large grants of above $200,000 and smaller grants up to that amount. Applications are open until April 22. environment.vic.gov.au/grants/cultural-fire-grants.

Motorsport grants

Applications for the fourth and final round of the Motorsport Club Assistance Category of the Community Motorsport Program close on June 30.

The program provides help with upgrading facilities and equipment for motorsport and motorcycling clubs. sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.

Emergency services volunteers grants

Applications are open for the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) to help fund operational equipment, including the purchase of new vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers.

Volunteer groups can also put the money towards minor facility improvements, including refurbishments and amenities, such as kitchens and change rooms.

Applications close May 26. emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.