SUPPORTING YOUNG LGBTIQA+ VICTORIANS ACROSS MACEDON RANGES
The Allan Labor Government is continuing to support Victoria’s young LGBTIQA+ communities across the Macedon Ranges through the latest round of the Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) grants.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas has confirmed that the Macedon Ranges Shire’s Social Connectedness project is one of 15 community-led projects who will share $100,000 in funding through the 2025 HEY grants round.
Now in its 15th year, the HEY grants program supports initiatives that promote diversity, reduce stigma and discrimination, and strengthen mental health and wellbeing for young LGBTIQA+ Victorians.
The Labor Government partners with the Youth Affairs Council Victoria to deliver the program in the Macedon Ranges. The YACV has supported more than 135 projects and provided more than $1.4 million in funding since 2010.
As a recipient of this year’s grant program, the Macedon Ranges Shire’s Social Connectedness project will use the $5000 grant received towards a Pride Formal, an event that seeks to build peer relationships through social connectedness. The event aims to improve mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ young people by providing a safe space for them and their allies to gather, be affirmed, celebrate, and support each other.
The 2026 round supports eight projects in rural and regional Victoria and seven in metropolitan Melbourne, supporting access to inclusive and affirming spaces across the state. Notably, nine projects are youth-led, placing young LGBTIQA+ people at the centre of project design and delivery.
The HEY grants program forms part of the Labor Government’s broader work to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for LGBTIQA+ Victorians across the state.
A list of recipients can be found at yacvic.org.au/get-involved/hey/hey-grants/
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:
“The Macedon Ranges Shire’s Social Connectedness project will support young LGBTIQA+ community members across the Macedon Ranges to always feel included and celebrated.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health, Ingrid Stitt:
“We’re building a Victoria where everyone is welcome and celebrated – these grants are supporting young LGBTIQA+ Victorians to live their best lives.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Equality, Vicki Ward:
“These projects help ensure LGBTIQA+ young people feel safe, supported and empowered in their communities.”
