Member for Ripon Joe Helper, took Victorian Minister for Youth Affairs, Jacinta Allan MLA, to meet with a group of 40 young people in Stawell yesterday.

The visit was hosted by the Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network (CGLLEN) at it’s youth resource centre, LenZone!.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Wheaton, said he was delighted to showcase the facility which was made possible with state government funding.

“We were delighted Minister Allan took an interest in our work and that she was able to spend time discussing local issues with youth from across the region.” Mr Wheaton said.

Minister Allan was briefed on a number of initiatives supported by CGLLEN including the regional youth council, school based new apprenticeships and young parents group.

Janna Hewson and Lauren Ellis briefed the Minister on recent youth council activities including a successful trip to the beach and ongoing efforts to establish dirt bike jumps in Ararat.

In 2002, Ms Allan became the youngest ever Minister in the State of Victoria and impressed with the ease in which she interacted with the group of young people.

“She was very down to earth, easy to talk to and she even offered to have staff from her department help us arrange local events.” Ms Hewson said.

Minister Allan congratulated CGLLEN on it’s initiatives to improve outcomes for young people.

"The CGLLEN has provided the young people of Stawell, Ararat and Lake Bolac with fantastic programs and facilities including a young parents program, school based new apprenticeships, and the LenZone! Resource Centre.

"By listening to the youth of the area, the CGLLEN and the Government can make decisions about services, programs and events that are responsive and appropriate to all sections of the community," Ms Allan said.

LenZone! is a CGLLEN initiative designed to involve young people in positive activities and to support them to stay engaged with education and training and make smooth transitions from school to work.