A $222,388 NSW Government grant is helping Coffs Harbour’s Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF) develop youth pathways into the North Coast’s booming film industry.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said this grant is for SWIFF’s national youth film development program, Nextwave.
“Nextwave will create youth work-ready skill building and career pathways, supporting our film industry by enhancing its regional labour supply chain,” Mr Singh said.
“I’m proud the NSW Government’s Our Region, Our Voice Regional Youth Investment Program is providing support to empowering youth-focused projects, just like Nextwave, in our community.
“This is a significant investment in our region and I’m very pleased to see funding go to SWIFF which is working to enhance the lives and wellbeing of young people in our community.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ program will improve the lives and wellbeing of young people across regional NSW.
“This is an investment in the next generation – an investment in projects and initiatives that matters to them and that will help regional youth reach their potential,” Mr Toole said.
“This investment is a testament to the Liberals and Nationals’ ongoing commitment in ensuring regional youth are empowered to build their own future. I’m excited to see these very important programs and initiatives rolling out.”
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said nearly 2,000 young people were consulted to help determine the priorities for investment.
“This is an investment that has been shaped for youth, by youth and is based on findings from Regional Youth Insights – the largest regional youth research project ever commissioned by the NSW Government,” Mr Franklin said.
