MANSFIELD Shire Council has gained funding of $73,000 to continue its youth program Pumped Up. Pumped Up brings together young people from across the Mansfield Shire to identify, plan, deliver and participate in youth culture events and skills development training that meet the local needs and interests of young people. Youth driven, the program aims to support young people to contribute to the cultural life of their community by staging youth events and developing their career opportunities and skills in leadership, event management and other self-identified interest areas. Mansfields grant is just one of 15 for young people in country northern Victoria which will see free local music and cultural events for each community. The government allocated $1m for the 2016-18 FReeZA grants which will fund fully supervised drug, alcohol and smoke-free local events. Member for Norther Victoria Jaclyn Symes said while participants in the program gain valuable skills and experience, the whole community stands to benefit from great free events that are organised. The FReeZA program gives young people the chance to grow industry contacts, gain practical experience and develop career opportunities in the industry, Ms Symes said. This government funding will also help engage young people in planning and staging music and cultural events such as skate competitions, music concerts and art competitions. We are proud to support the young people who organise these events, make local industry connections and explore job opportunities for the future, all while following their passions. Engaging young people in helping to organise music and cultural events builds their experience and skills, and benefits our community by having more great local events.